Category: EDUCATION

New Delhi, December 26: The 31st meeting of the Executive Council (EC), highest statutory decision-making body of the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), was held here today with Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath in chair.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Vandana Mishra, Centre of Comparative Politics & Political Theory, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi, Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu, Prof. Ajay Kumar Singh, Department of Commerce, School of Economics, University of Delhi, Dr. Mriganka Sekhar Sarma, Deputy Secretary, UGC, Shri Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, J&K, Prof Shahid Rasool, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir, Dean, School of Legal Studies, CUKashmir, Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Dean, International Affairs, CUKashmir and Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Registrar (Secretary). Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir presented the meeting agenda.

Welcoming the members, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath underscored the University’s commitment to academic excellence, and inclusive growth. “CUKashmir, though relatively young, has steadily evolved into a vibrant centre of learning. Our focus remains on strengthening academic foundations, promoting research-driven innovation, and ensuring student-centric governance,” he said. He stated that the guidance received from the Council would play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions and strategic initiatives in the coming years.

The meeting held thoughtful deliberations on a wide range of academic, administrative, financial, and developmental matters, reaffirming the University’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

The Council took a comprehensive review of the University’s progress and future roadmap. The deliberations were marked by a shared resolve to further strengthen the institutional framework of CUKashmir and to position it as a forward-looking centre of learning that meaningfully responds to contemporary societal challenges and economic needs.

The Council approved the launch of new Schools, Departments, and academic programmes aimed at broadening the University’s academic canvas. These include the establishment of the School of Multidisciplinary Studies and the School of Skill Studies, both envisioned as key drivers in fostering holistic education, innovation, and employability. The Executive Council members lauded the sustained efforts of the University in integrating skill components across all its existing academic programmes.

The EC also approved the creation of a Department of Psychology, recognizing the growing relevance of psychological studies in addressing individual and societal challenges in a rapidly changing world.

Further strengthening its postgraduate portfolio, the Executive Council gave its nod to the introduction of new programmes, including the MBA (Executive) programme, Master’s in Educational Technology, and Master’s in Educational Administration. These programmes are designed to cater to working professionals, educators, administrators, and aspiring leaders, thereby expanding access to quality higher education while responding to emerging demands in governance, technology-enabled learning, and educational leadership.

The Council was informed that the varsity has taken up the matter with the Srinagar Development Authority for allotment of land for a City Office and Guest House near Srinagar Airport.

The Executive Council members lauded the sustained efforts of the University in integrating skill components across all its existing academic programmes.

In another significant decision, the Executive Council approved the adoption of the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) and cleared the University’s proposal to launch Apprenticeship Embedded Undergraduate Programmes under NATS. This step marks a major stride towards strengthening industry-academia linkages and providing students with structured, hands-on training opportunities as an integral part of their academic journey. The EC noted that apprenticeship-embedded programmes would enhance students’ employability, industry readiness, and real-world exposure, thereby creating a win-win ecosystem for learners, institutions, and employers alike.

The Executive Council also placed on record its deep appreciation for the proactive and sustained efforts of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, in successfully pursuing and securing the sanction of grants, in project mode, from the Ministry of Education for infrastructural development of the University. The members acknowledged that these grants would significantly augment the University’s physical and academic infrastructure, creating an enabling environment for teaching, research, and innovation.

The EC members expressed their gratitude to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education for their continued financial support and guidance, noting that such support plays a crucial role in strengthening public universities and advancing the national higher education agenda. They made a fervent appeal to the UT administration for starting work on road connectivity for the Tulmulla campus. The additional chief secretary noted the request and assured to take it up with the UT administration.

Prof. Sandhya Tiwari proposed the vote of thanks.

Taskeen Ali

Srinagar, December 23: Shri Shantmanu (IAS), Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Higher Education Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, has announced winter vacations for all Government Degree Colleges across the Union Territory.

As per Government Order No. 497-JK(HE) of 2025, issued by the Higher Education Department, Government Degree Colleges falling in the Winter Zones of both Kashmir and Jammu divisions shall observe winter vacations from December 24, 2025, to February 14, 2026.

Meanwhile, Government Degree Colleges located in the Summer Zone of the Jammu Division shall remain closed for winter vacations from January 1, 2026, to January 10, 2026.

The order comes into effect immediately and shall be applicable to all Government Degree Colleges across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Awantipora, Dec. 23: The Centre for Health and Wellness in collaboration with IUST Radio station is broadcasting a series of programmes aimed at creating awareness on issues concerning the youth.
The university places special emphasis on motivating the youth towards productive ventures and helping them realize their potential for the larger good of the society. This features prominently in the outreach plan of the university that among other things involves adoption of local villages, conducting awareness programmes covering different aspects of societal importance including drug abuse, women safety, saturation of government schemes.
As a part of this mission, IUST is reaching out to the local committees under the aegis of Centre for Health and Wellness through its Community Radio Station. Talk shows hosting students, faculty and experts are held who share their experiences, coping strategies and other aspects for a wider impact and resonance among the youth. Prof. Yasmeen Ashai, Coordinator in a session on women safety talked about women’ safety, awareness of rights, timely reporting of issues etc. Ms Urooj Manzoor University Councillor who has curated the sessions also talked about emotional resilience prioritizing self-care and mental well-being.

SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 19: A One-Day Training Camp for Nasha Mukth Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) Nodal Officers was successfully organised in hybrid mode at the Mini Auditorium of Islamia College of Science & Commerce, Srinagar.

The programme was organised by the Higher Education Department (HED) in collaboration with the Civil Society Forum Kashmir, with active participation from the Jammu & Kashmir Health Department, J&K Police and IMHANS Kashmir.

The training programme aimed to sensitise and equip NMBA Nodal Officers with practical knowledge and skills related to substance abuse prevention, early identification of substance users, mental health awareness, counselling mechanisms, rehabilitation strategies, and inter-departmental coordination.

More than 70 NMBA Nodal Officers from the Kashmir Division participated in the programme, while 71 Nodal Officers from the Jammu Division joined the programme virtually, reflecting wide institutional engagement across the Union Territory.

Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department (Member of the Task Force for Rehabilitation of Victims of Drug Abuse), in his inaugural address emphasised the need for coordinated and sustained efforts among academic institutions, health services, civil society organisations, and law enforcement agencies to effectively address substance abuse.

He stated that the Mentor–Mentee model in colleges will be further strengthened and made outcome-oriented, with a focused mandate to identify at-risk students, facilitate early intervention, and shield youth from substance abuse through mentoring and support mechanisms, including closer monitoring of student attendance patterns and timely flagging of absenteeism.

He further highlighted the importance of encouraging students to voice their concerns through the Higher Education Department’s initiatives such as the SIGMA platform, and reiterated the Department’s firm commitment to proactive interventions under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, while urging NMBA Nodal Officers to translate the learnings from the training programme into effective action at their respective institutions.

The host College Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Tehmina Yousuf, highlighted the growing concern of substance abuse among youth and underscored the critical role of educational institutions and NMBA Nodal Officers in prevention, early intervention, and awareness generation.

During the programme, Abdul Waheed Shah, SSP Crime Branch, Kashmir, and Mohd Anwar-ul-Haq, SSP Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), J&K, shared valuable insights on drug abuse trends, preventive mechanisms, and the legal framework governing antinarcotics efforts.

The technical sessions were conducted by experts from IMHANS Kashmir, who addressed mental health dimensions of substance use disorders, early identification of at-risk individuals, counselling strategies, and referral mechanisms. The sessions witnessed interactive participation from the NMBA Nodal Officers.

The training camp reaffirmed the collective commitment of all stakeholders towards creating a drug-free, healthy, and supportive academic environment. The Higher Education Department reiterated that sustained capacity building, awareness generation, and institutional ownership will remain central to its strategy in safeguarding the youth of Jammu & Kashmir from the menace of substance abuse.

Srinagar, December 19: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has commenced the admission process for its January 2026 admission cycle for various undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, PG diploma and certificate programmes offered in distance learning and online modes. Interested applicants can apply through the University’s national website or directly on the admission portal.
IGNOU offers a wide range of programmes, and in this cycle has also introduced around 60 new programmes, including Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUP) in disciplines such as Commerce, Economics, History, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Anthropology, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Social Work, Philosophy, Biochemistry, and Facilities and Service Management. New postgraduate programmes include M.Sc. Geography, Geo Informatics, Applied Statistics and Renewable Energy, among others.
Candidates have been advised to carefully fill the application form and securely retain their login credentials for future use.
Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar, Dr. A.H. Rizvi encouraged aspirants to apply well before the deadline and cautioned them against fraudulent calls or messages seeking admission fees through QR codes, WhatsApp or social media platforms, clarifying that IGNOU accepts payments only through its official online portals.
The last date for submission of online admission forms for the January 2026 cycle is 31 January 2026, while re-registration for continuing learners is open till 15 January 2026.

Taskeen Ali

Budgam, December 18: The Department of Education and Training of Anjuman-e-Shari Shiaan Jammu and Kashmir, under the patronage of Hujjat-ul-Islam wal Muslimeen Agha Syed Hasan Al-Moosavi Al-Safvi, organized a five-day Teachers’ Training Program for the instructors of the branches of Howzeh Jamia Babul Ilm Oriental College of Learning in the Sonepah Zone.

During the training program, teachers and instructors were provided with comprehensive guidance on the educational curriculum, modern teaching methodologies, and other essential academic and administrative matters. The objective of the program was to enhance the professional skills of educators and strengthen the overall teaching system of the institution.

At the conclusion of the program, Agha Syed Hasan Al-Moosavi Al-Safvi appreciated the dedication, sincerity, and commitment of the teachers and instructors.

Agha remarked that the passion, sense of responsibility, and devotion with which they are rendering their religious and educational services are truly commendable. He further expressed hope that the training program would significantly enhance the academic and practical capabilities of the teachers and play an effective role in raising the educational standards of the Howzeh Jamia Babul Ilm Oriental College of Learning branches.

Awantipora, December 15: The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), under its department outreach programme organised an interaction with Hakeem Irfan Rashid, Senior Assistant Editor, Political Bureau, The Economic Times, and recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism.

The programme, themed “Journalism in Times of an Evolving Media Landscape,” featured deliberations on the rapid transformation of the media ecosystem, the impact of digital technologies and algorithms on newsrooms, and the increasing importance of credibility in an era marked by information overload.

Welcoming the resource person, Head, DJMC, Dr. Rabia Noor, underscored the growing relevance of ethical, responsible, and critically informed journalism in a rapidly evolving media environment. Emphasising that journalism is fundamentally an ethical profession, he urged students to become critical thinkers and media-literate individuals before entering the field. Irfan, who is also a World Press Institute Fellow at the United States, advised aspiring journalists to identify their choices and privileges, remain disciplined, continuously train, upgrade skills and adapt to emerging platforms, “as journalism is constantly evolving.”

He stressed that stories must serve the larger public good, and cautioned students to be especially careful while navigating social media and algorithm-driven platforms. An eminent journalist known for his incisive political reporting and impactful storytelling, Irfan also shared insights from his professional journey, offering students a nuanced understanding of newsroom realities, political reporting, and the ethical challenges faced by journalists today. The program aimed to bridge classroom learning with industry practice witnessed active participation of the students, scholars and faculty members of the department.

Emphasises adoption of SIGMA Platform

JAMMU, DECEMBER 02: Director Colleges J&K, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir conducted an extensive tour of the Government Degree Colleges in the Pir Panjal region to gain firsthand insight into academic activities and engage directly with students and faculty to know their concerns, challenges and expectations.
During interactive sessions at GDC Rajouri, GDC Poonch and GDC Surankote, the Director Colleges highlighted the significance of SIGMA – the Student Integrated Grievance and Messaging Application. He urged the students to subscribe to the platform immediately, describing it as a major reform initiative aimed at empowering students with real-time updates on departmental initiatives and offering them a direct channel for redressal of issues that may lie beyond the scope of individual Colleges.

The Director Colleges also briefed students on the key takeaways of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), particularly the academic flexibility provided through multiple entry and exit options. He encouraged students to make informed use of these provisions to shape their academic trajectories.

In the meetings with faculty members, the Director reiterated the importance of strengthening the Mentor–Mentee Model, noting that an effective mentoring system is crucial for addressing emerging challenges, including concerns related to substance abuse. He sought full cooperation from faculty to ensure the meaningful implementation of the model across campuses.

At GDC Poonch, the Director Colleges congratulated Principal Dr. Jasbir Singh for initiating the process for seeking Autonomous Status for the college immediately following his visit in August. Expressing satisfaction, he noted that achieving autonomous status would position the institution for academic excellence and institutional innovation.

The Director Colleges also held a detailed interaction with the Boarders of both the Girls’ and Boys’ Hostels at GDC Poonch. The issues concerning hostel facilities were discussed and necessary directions were issued for their prompt redressal.

During his visit to GDC Rajouri, the Director Colleges underscored the academic vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its emphasis on granting greater autonomy to progressive higher education institutions.

While discussing the prospects of Autonomous Status under NEP, he stated that autonomy offers substantial institutional advantages, including enhanced academic flexibility, scope for curricular innovation, independent examination and evaluation systems and a stronger institutional identity. He highlighted that, as the oldest and largest college in the district, GDC Rajouri is well-positioned to approach the UGC for the grant of Autonomous Status, noting that the present moment is both appropriate and opportune for the institution to submit its application in line with UGC norms.

At GDC Surankote, the issue of student absenteeism was deliberated extensively. The Director impressed upon the college administration the need to strictly adhere to the Directorate’s Policy Planning and Development Portal for the digital on boarding of students, ensuring transparency, accountability and improved student engagement. The visit concluded with the Director reaffirming the Department’s commitment to strengthening academic ecosystems, improving student well-being and accelerating reform initiatives across all degree colleges in the region.

SJ MOSVI

Srinagar, December 1, 2025: The Government College of Education (GCOE) M. A. Road, Srinagar observed World AIDS Day 2025, an event organized by the Nodal Principal, Kashmir Division Colleges, in collaboration with the J&K AIDS Control Society. The programme aimed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and highlight the role of youth as crucial contributors to transforming the AIDS response.

The day-long event included a series of activities. Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naz, Nodal Principal of Kashmir Division Colleges and Principal of the host college, formally apprised the gathering about the significance of the observance. A poster-making competition, based on the theme “Transforming the AIDS Response: Youth as Change Makers”, was held at the Art Lab and evaluated by Mr. Arshid Saluh, Art Teacher at the Government College of Education, M.A. Road, Srinagar.

A speech competition on the theme “Overcoming Disruption: Transforming the AIDS Response” was conducted in the Conference Hall. The jury for the event included Prof. Abeena Habib, Associate Professor of English, GDC Women M.A. Road Srinagar, and Prof. Shahnawaz Muntazir, Associate Professor of English, Amar Singh College, Srinagar.

During the valedictory session, Syed Altaf Ahmad, Co-convener of the Red Ribbon Club, presented the backdrop and overview of the day’s events. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naz, who emphasized sustained awareness, proactive youth engagement, and collective responsibility in combating HIV/AIDS.

The programme also featured the screening of short films on AIDS awareness. A human chain formation saw enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members, symbolizing unity and commitment toward eradicating stigma and promoting awareness.

An awareness rally was carried out from the college campus, passing through M.A. Road and Polo View Market before returning to the campus. Participants raised slogans and disseminated key messages to promote HIV/AIDS awareness among the public.

The event concluded with Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naz distributing certificates and medals to all winners and participants.

Prof. Shawana Manzoor, Nodal Officer of the Red Ribbon Club, served as the rapporteur, while Miss Nashra Imtiyaz, B.Ed 1st Semester and student member of the Red Ribbon Club, assisted in the proceedings.

The biggest challenge before the scientific community is to accurately predict cloudbursts with precise and long-term forecasts. We must work together in developing new machine learning models, refining real-time data integration to provide timely and clear alerts to authorities and the public: LG Sinha

Lieutenant Governor urges scientists, Artificial Intelligence experts to join hands for a cleaner, greener, and healthier tomorrow

Let us dedicate ourselves to tackle climate challenges, advance clean energy, and strengthen the environmental resilience: LG Sinha

Our government remains committed to promote scientific collaboration, enhance quality research, and to support transformative projects in solar energy, water security, rural connectivity, and pollution abatement to secure a prosperous future for J&K UT: LG

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 26: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the 3rd Aerosol Winter School on “Atmospheric Aerosol, Cloud & Climate Science” at Central University of Jammu.
In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the biggest challenge before the scientific community is to accurately predict cloudbursts with precise and long-term forecasts.
He emphasised that all the stakeholders must work together in developing new machine learning models, refining real-time data integration to provide timely and clear alerts to authorities and the public.
The Lieutenant Governor urged scientists and Artificial Intelligence experts to join hands for a cleaner, greener, and healthier tomorrow.
“Let us dedicate ourselves to tackle climate challenges, advance clean energy, and strengthen the environmental resilience,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed that the government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, remains committed to promote scientific collaboration, enhance quality research, and to support transformative projects in solar energy, water security, rural connectivity, and pollution abatement to secure a prosperous future for UT of Jammu Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor, on the occasion, launched “Atmos Kids-the Gen Alpha Change-makers”, a joint initiative by Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Centre, Central University of Jammu and Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), INSA.
‘Atmos Kids’ is an initiative to educate, orient and foster competence in school students to create an alert, aware and active community of alpha generation kids. These changemakers will be the future ambassadors connecting science to society by further spreading knowledge on the importance of atmosphere and the role of aerosol particles in modulating air quality, climate and ecosystem health.
The 3rd Aerosol Winter School was organized by the Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research (H2A2CR) Centre in collaboration with Department of Environmental Sciences, Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), Indian National Science Academy (INSA), ETH Zürich Switzerland.
Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Jain, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Jammu (CUJ); Shri Vasu Yadav, Chairman, J&K Pollution Control Committee; Dr. Zamin Kanji, Group Leader ETH Zürich Switzerland, and Heads of Departments, faculty members and students were present.