‘J&K to be among pioneers to close all FRA claims’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 23: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today while discussing important issues pertaining to Higher Education Department stated that it is in the interest of times that in order to have a quality higher education National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC) evaluation be got done of all degree colleges of the UT at an earliest so as to have a peep into the quality of education provided there.
He made these remarks while chairing a meeting to take stock of the functioning of the higher education institutions of the UT.
The meeting besides Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department was attended by Director, Colleges and other senior officers of the department.
He stressed on the necessity of securing ‘A and above grade’ for at least each district college that had been established here decades before. He made out that with little more interventions as per the NAAC guidelines these colleges are poised to attain this grade with ease.
Dulloo also enjoined upon to make skilling part of the courses by ensuring that tie up with industries/paramedical colleges/other skill institutes like Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, Haryana is done and youth of J&K is given opportunity to hone their skills, which will have a great impact on boosting the employment opportunities across the UT.
Chief Secretary also enquired about the status of Institutions Innovation Councils (IICs) in UT of J&K wherein it was apprised that around 20 colleges have been identified for the same. A work done report in this aspect was sought with a specific focus on kickstarting innovation and entrepreneurship-related activities promptly for the youth of J&K.
It was also stressed upon that department shall prioritize the delivery of high-quality online courses to maximize student enrolment on the portal. This initiative shall provide students with various benefits, including skill courses, akin to the successful model of the DAKSH KISAN portal developed by the UT of J&K for farmers.
In his presentation the Principal Secretary, Higher Education, Alok Kumar apprised the meeting about the initiatives taken by the Department in furthering the impact and reach of higher education in J&K. He gave out that the UT currently has 09 Universities in addition to142 government and 208 private colleges.
He further added that out of these colleges, 65 are NAAC accredited including 5 colleges having ‘A & above’ Grade.He made out that four year undergraduate programme (FYUGP) has been rolled out in all concerned institutions since last year with which students will now be able to get an undergraduate ‘Honours’ degree after completing four years, instead of three, along the lines of the international standards
It was also revealed that as per NIRF Rankings, Kashmir & Jammu University stand at Rank 33 & 63 respectively. It was also said that there are currently 3 autonomous colleges which are being targeted for multidisciplinary education and research universities and 10 more colleges are being targeted to have the autonomous status soon.
Meanwhile, CS impressed upon the district administrations to resolve all the pending claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 made by the forest dwellers on merit within a period of one month.
He made these remarks while speaking in a meeting to look into the progress made in each district about the verification of such claims and granting of rights to the eligible people as per this Act.
The meeting besides Principal Secretary, Forests was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF); Secretary Revenue; Deputy Commissioners and other concerned.
Dulloo impressed upon the concerned Deputy Commissioners to certify within a month’s time that all claims submitted have been verified and settled on merit. He asked for resolving each of them as per the provisions of this act and make this task a time-bound one for its logical closure.
On the occasion it was revealed by the Principal Secretary, Forests, Dheeraj Gupta that this act envisages recognizing and vesting the rights of occupation on forest lands by Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs).
He further gave out that this act provides for Individual Forest Rights (IFRs) like right to hold or live in forest land for habitation or self-cultivation. It also recognizes Community Forest Rights (CFRs) like grazing, collect/dispose off NTPF, fishing access to waterbodies, pathways, besides other rights.
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