Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 20: Various delegations called on visiting Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani on second day here today.
A delegation of SKUAST –Jammu Teaching Association led by its president, Dr Vikas Sharma called on Mrs Irani in presence of senior BJP leader and National Executive Member of the Party, Dr Nirmal Singh and demanded up-gradation of SKUAST –Jammu to Central Agriculture University of Jammu.
President SKUAST –TAJ, Dr Vikas Sharma apprised the Minister that Jammu province include 10 districts and far flung areas which have suffered political as well as developmental alienation since independence.
He said the farmers of these far flung areas are unable to get the benefit of latest advances in agricultural technology due to the shortage of sanctioned staff and meager financial resources made available to the SKUAST, Jammu by the State Government thus resulting in low agriculture production and a strong resentment in the farming community.
He further said that there is no Central Agriculture University in the entire Northern India and Jammu Division is the most suitable place for the establishment of the same.
The deputation comprised of Dr Vivek M Arya, general secretary, Dr P K Rai, joint secretary, Dr Devinder Sharma, publicity secretary and Dr Parminder Singh.
A deputation of All J&K ReT Teachers Forum led by its State president ,Vinod Sharma also called on the Union HRD Minster and apprised her about the problems being faced by regularized ReT teachers under SSA.
The delegation said that these teachers are without salaries for last several months and demanded release of funds under SSA so that these teachers can get their salaries.
Rajeshwar Jamwal, Sukhdev Singh, Lekh Raj Parihar and others were the part of delegation.
A delegation of Kshitij Foundation, an NGO, which met Smriti Irani, apprised her with the hardships being faced by Ladakhi students owing to the lack of proper education facilities in Ladakh.
The delegation requested the minister for the establishment of Central University in Ladakh, concession of airfare for Ladakhi students studying in different parts of the country, establishment of Kendriya Vidyalayas for each Tehsil of Ladakh, opening of new KVKs at Khaltse and Nubra Tehsils of Ladakh, special packages and scholarships for pursuing higher studies for Ladakhi students, etc.
The Union Minister was apprised by the delegates that Ladakh is extremely significant region of J&K both geographically and strategically, as its boundaries lie with Pakistan and China. Due to tough terrain and harsh weather conditions it remains cut off from the rest of the country for six months. The people of this region live in very tough conditions.
Like other sectors, education system is also neglected by State and Central Government, the delegates informed, adding both Jammu and Kashmir regions are facilitated by nine universities including two Central universities, one for each region but Ladakh has not been provided even a single university and there are only two degree collaeges in Ladakh, one at Leh and other at Kargil.
Narottam Sharma, State convenor, Kshitij Foundation, Samir Vohra, Lobzang Stanzen, Anwar Hussain, Disket Dolkar, Stanzin Dorjey, Morup Dolma, Padma Lay and Permendra Singh were part of the delegation.
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