Category: EDUCATION

SJ MOSVI

Baramulla, January 6: Professor M. Y. Khan recently assumed charge as the Principal of Government Degree College (GDC) Hadipora, Rafiabad, in Baramulla district.

A formal induction ceremony was held on the occasion, during which Prof. Khan was warmly received by Prof. (Dr.) Shamim Ahmad Dar, who had been holding the additional charge of Principal, along with the faculty and staff of the college. The staff members expressed confidence in his leadership and assured him of their full cooperation.

Professor Khan is widely known for his efficiency, dedication, and strong commitment to academic excellence. His appointment is expected to usher in a new phase of growth and innovation at the institution, further strengthening its academic and administrative framework.

The appointment is also being viewed as a positive step toward inclusive and progressive academic leadership, serving as an inspiration for both educators and students alike.

Prior to his present assignment, Professor M. Y. Khan has served in several degree colleges across Jammu and Kashmir, including GDC Baderwah, GDC (Boys) Baramulla, GDC Sopore, and GDC for Women, Nawakadal.

Professor Khan possesses extensive teaching experience in the discipline of Commerce and brings with him wide-ranging administrative exposure.

Srinagar January 6: In a significant academic achievement for the University of Kashmir (KU), faculty member Dr. Riffat John, Department of Botany, has been awarded a major research grant under the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Dr. John has secured the SPARC project titled “Unstructured but Essential: Understanding and Exploiting Intrinsically Disordered Proteins for Climate-Resilient Maize” under the Agri and Food Technologies theme. The project has been approved by the SPARC Apex Committee chaired by the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her message, congratulated Dr. John and said, “The award reflects the University’s growing research footprint and its emphasis on meaningful international collaborations. Such initiatives strengthen interdisciplinary research and contribute to addressing region-specific agricultural and climate challenges.”

She further said that the University remains committed to supporting faculty-led research that aligns scientific inquiry with societal and environmental needs while fostering global academic engagement.

Dean Research, KU, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat also congratulated Dr. John on the achievement and said, “Securing a SPARC grant is highly competitive and reflects the quality and global relevance of the research being undertaken at the varsity.”

The two-year international collaborative project involves research partnership with The Pennsylvania State University, USA, and the Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), Ludhiana. The project focuses on advancing proteomics-based understanding of maize resilience to cold and low-temperature stress, with relevance for crop adaptation in hilly and cold agro-climatic regions of northern India.

Dr. John will serve as the Principal Investigator from the University of Kashmir, with the collaboration enabling access to advanced protein interaction and intrinsically disordered protein analysis platforms.

The award strengthens the University’s participation in nationally coordinated international research programmes.

TASKEEN ALI

Srinagar/Jammu, December 29: The Higher Education Department on Monday ordered the transfers and postings of Principals and assigned look-after charge of the posts of Principals to senior-most Associate Professors in Government Degree Colleges across the Union Territory.

The order was issued by Shantmanu, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Higher Education Department, in the interest of administration and has come into effect with immediate effect.

According to Government Order No. 508-JK(HE) of 2025, dated December 29, 2025, the decision has been taken in compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, as per its order dated September 3, 2025, passed in WP(C) No. 2367/2025, titled UT of J&K and Others vs Prof. Arti Pandoh and Others.

As per the directive, in colleges where regular Principals are not posted, the charge of the post shall be assigned to the senior-most Associate Professor strictly as per seniority, on a temporary look-after basis, until further orders.

The Higher Education Department stated that the move aims to ensure smooth academic and administrative functioning of Government Degree Colleges across the Union Territory.

As per the order, Principal, Government Degree College, Paloura, Kulvinder Kour has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu against an available vacancy.

Principal, Government College for Women, Kathua, Savi Behl has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College Paloura vice Ms. Kulvinder Kour.

Principal, Government Degree College, Koteranka, Anwer Shah has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College, Rajouri against an available vacancy.

Principal, Government Degree College, Batote, Nirlape Kour has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College, Samba against an available vacancy.

Awaiting orders of adjustment in the office of Director Colleges, Sudhir Singh has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College, Qazigund against an available vacancy.

Principal, Government Degree College, Doongi, Jaipal Singh has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government College for Women, Kathua vice Ms. Savi Behl.

Principal, Government Degree College, Pulwama, Haris Izhar Tantray has been transferred and posted as Principal, S.P. College, Srinagar against an available vacancy.

Principal, Government College for Women, Anantnag, Masood Ahmad Malik has been transferred and posted as Principal, Gandhi Memorial College, Srinagar relieving Principal, Islamia College of Science and Commerce of the additional charge of the post.

Principal, Government Degree College, Tral, Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College, Bernina vice Ms. Mudasir Afshan.

Principal, Government Degree College, Rajpora, Gazala Gayas has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College, Pampore against an available vacancy.

Principal, Government Degree College, Kralpora, Mohd Hussain Malik has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College, Pattan against an available vacancy.

Principal, Government Degree College, Basohli, Sunil Gupta has been transferred and posted as Principal, S.P.M.R. College of Commerce, Jammu against an available vacancy.

Principal, Government Degree College, Bani, Manohar Lal has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College, Kathua against an available vacancy.

Principal, Government Degree College, Shopian, Mohd Shafiq has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College, Pahalgam- Siligam/Ashmaqam at Ashmaqam against an available vacancy.

Principal, Government Degree College, Kilam, Mohd Abbas Shah has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College, Kulgam against an available vacancy.

Principal, Government Degree College, Thannamandi, Farooq Ahmed has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College, Nowshera vice Mr. Shamim Ahmed Azad.

Principal, Government Degree College, Nowshera, Shamim Ahmed Azad has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College, Thannamandi vice Mr. Farooq Ahmed.

Principal, Government Degree College, Bernina, Mudasir Afshan has been transferred and posted as Principal, Government Degree College, Awantipora against an available vacancy.

Further, it has been ordered that the Principal, Amar Singh College, Srinagar, shall hold the additional charge of the post of Principal, Government Degree College, Allochibagh, while the Principal, S.P. College, Srinagar, shall hold the additional charge of the post of Principal, Government Degree College, Bagh-e-Dilawar Khan, in addition to their own duties, until further orders.

Imtiyaz Ahmad Parray, Department of Geology, Government Degree College Dangiwacha, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Dangiwacha, against an available vacancy.

Subeena Chiloo, Department of Islamic Studies, Government Women College Sopore has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Women College Sopore against an available vacancy.

Tabasum Lone, Department of Philosophy, Government Degree College Beerwah been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Beerwah against an available vacancy.

Indu Khajuria, Department of Physics, Government Women Degree College Udhampur been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Purmandal against an available vacancy.

Mamta Gupta, Department of Commerce, Government Degree College, Vijaypur been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Reasi against an available vacancy.

Arti Pandoh Gupta, Department of Physics, Government Degree College, Kunjwani been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Batote vice Nirlape Kour.

Gazala Firdous, Department of Zoology, Government Degree College, Hajin been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Hajin against an available vacancy.

Irfan-ul-Majid, Department of Botany, Government Degree College, Tangmarg been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Tangmarg against an available vacancy.

Mushtaq Ahmad Sohil, Department of Political Science, Government Degree College, Uttersoo been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Uttersoo against an available vacancy.

Rajesh Kant, Department of Chemistry, Government Degree College Women, Parade been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Dharmari against an available vacancy.

Shabnum Ara Qaz, Department of Chemistry, Government Degree College, Mattan been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Mattan against an available vacancy.

Ravi, Department of Hindi, Government Degree College Women, Parade been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Padder against an available vacancy.

Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, Department of Statistics, Government Degree College, Tangdhar been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Tangdhar against an available vacancy.

Anita Jamwal, Department of Political Science, Government Degree College, Vijaypur been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Kilhotran against an available vacancy.

Sanjeet Kour Sodh, Department of Zoology, Government Degree College Women, Parade been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Ukhral against an available vacancy.

Koshal Kumar Mangotra, Department of Education, Government Degree College Kastigarh, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Kastigarh, against an available vacancy.

Kounsar Jan, Department of Zoology, Government Degree College Thindim Kreeri, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Thindim Kreeri, against an available vacancy.

Neeru Dhalla, Department of Zoology, Government Degree College Akhnoor, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Kalakote, against an available vacancy.

Tariq Ahmad Shikari, Department of Mathematics, Director JKIMS, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Kralpora, against an available vacancy.

M. Yousuf Khan, Department of Commerce, Government College for Women Nawakadal, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Hadipora, against an available vacancy.

Sunil Kumar Bhat, Department of Chemistry, Government Degree College Sidhra, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Banihal, against an available vacancy.

Khalida Hassan, Department of Zoology, Government College for Women Pulwama, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government College for Women Anantnag, vice Masood Ahmad Malik.

Ab Salam Dar, Department of Education, Government Degree College D.H. Pora, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College D.H. Pora, against an available vacancy.

Mohd Farooq, Department of Education, Government Degree College Kalakote, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Bhaderwah, against an available vacancy.

Rumania Ashraf, Department of English, Government Degree College Magam, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Rajpora, against an available vacancy.

Tariq Hussain Mir, Department of English, Government Degree College Shopian, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Shopian, vice Mohd Shafiq.

Javed Iqbal, Department of English, Government Degree College Koteranka, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Koteranka, vice Anwer Shah.

Shah-E-Jahan Ahmad Ganai, Department of English, Government Degree College Gool, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Dooru, against an available vacancy.

Neena Gupta, Department of English, Government Degree College RS Pura, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Bani, vice Manohar Lal.

Rehana Abdullah, Department of English, Government Degree College Handwara, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Bomai, against an available vacancy.

Kewal Kumar, Department of Chemistry, Government Degree College Ramnagar, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Marwah, against an available vacancy.

Rubina Shaheen, Department of Home Science, Government College for Women MA Road Srinagar, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Soibugh, against an available vacancy.

Abdul Majid Chalkoo, Department of Botany, Government Degree College Uri, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Uri, against an available vacancy.

Sadaf Nazir, Department of Botany, Government Degree College Kangan, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Kangan, against an available vacancy.

Raj Kiran, Department of Physics, Government Degree College Billawar, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Basohli, vice Mr. Sunil Gupta.

Rayees Ahmad Shah, Department of Chemistry, Government Degree College Bernina, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Vilgam, against an available vacancy.

Mukhtyar Singh Saini, Department of Chemistry, GGM Science College Jammu, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Thathri, against an available vacancy.

Bilal Ahmad Sheikh, Department of Statistics, Government Degree College Baramulla, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Gurez, against an available vacancy.

Sushma Chib, Department of Mathematics, Government College for Women Parade, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Dudu Basantgarh, against an available vacancy.

Tariq Ahmad Want, Department of Botany, Government College for Women Baramulla, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Tulail, against an available vacancy.

Sadaf Bashir, Department of Zoology, Government Degree College Budgam, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Charar-i-Sharief, against an available vacancy.

Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, Department of Zoology, S.P. College Srinagar, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Pulwama, vice Mr. Haris Izhar Tantray.

Roop Kishan Pandit, Department of Zoology, Government Degree College Kathua, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Verinag, against an available vacancy.

Rakhmat Shah, Department of Zoology, Government College for Women Baramulla, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Boniyar, against an available vacancy.

Chanchai Angral, Department of Zoology, Government Degree College RS Pura, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Doongi, vice Mr. Jaipal Singh.

Narinder Kumar, Department of Zoology, Government Degree College Akhnoor, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Gool, against an available vacancy.

Dharvinder Kumar, Department of Zoology, Government College for Women Parade, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Pouni, against an available vacancy.

Aurangzeb Anjum, Department of Zoology, Government Degree College Poonch, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Mandi, against an available vacancy.

Davinder Kumar, Department of Botany, Government Degree College Doda, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Bijbehara, against an available vacancy.

Romesh Kumar Atri, Department of Botany, Government Degree College Reasi, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Ramban, against an available vacancy.

Ghulam Abas, Department of Botany, Government Degree College Poonch, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Kokernag, against an available vacancy.

Shaista Masarat, Department of Zoology, Government Degree College Kulgam, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Zainpora Wachi, against an available vacancy.

Mujeeb Ahmad Kawoosa, Department of Mathematics, Government Degree College Ganderbal, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Chadoora, against an available vacancy.

Saleem Iqbal, Department of Mathematics, GCET Safapora, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Vailoo Larnoo, against an available vacancy.

Jasvinder Singh, Department of Physics, Government Degree College Basohli, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Tral, vice Mr. Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat.

Bashir Ahmed, Department of Physics, Government Degree College Mendhar, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Budhal, against an available vacancy.

Suresh Kumar Dogra, Department of Physics, Government Degree College Udhampur, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Bandipora, against an available vacancy.

Samina Akhter, Department of Physics, Government College for Women MA Road Srinagar, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Langate, against an available vacancy.

Bilal Ahmad Dar, Department of Chemistry, Government Degree College Beerwah, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government College for Women Kupwara, against an available vacancy.

Ajaz Hussain Kanth, Department of Chemistry, A.S. College Srinagar, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Handwara, against an available vacancy.

Rukhsana Jabeen, Department of Chemistry, Government Degree College Budgam, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Ajas, against an available vacancy.

Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Department of Chemistry, S.P. College Srinagar, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Frisal, against an available vacancy.

Mohd Syed Shah, Department of Chemistry, S.P. College Srinagar, has been transferred and posted as In-Charge Principal, Government Degree College Killam, vice Mr. Mohd Abbas Shah.

The above arrangement of Associate Professors as In-Charge Principals on a look-after basis shall not confer any preferential right on the incumbents to claim preferential treatment for their promotion, which shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Education (Gazetted) College Service Recruitment Rules, 2014, or as approved by the Competent Authority based on the recommendations of the J&K Public Service Commission (PSC). The arrangement shall be purely temporary until the permanent incumbents or selection list of Principals is received from the J&K PSC and shall be subject to the outcome of any writ petition(s), if pending before any competent court(s) of law. This arrangement shall be reversible and shall automatically cease upon the repatriation, joining, or posting of regular Principals in the concerned institutions without any prior notice. Furthermore, the arrangement may also be reversed in case of receipt of any adverse report from any investigating agency against any faculty member.

By order of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

JAMMU, DECEMBER 28: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Sunday chaired the 3rd Meeting of the University Council of the Cluster University of Jammu, at Lok Bhavan, Jammu.

The Lieutenant Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the University, emphasised that higher education institutions must focus on innovation, employability and entrepreneurship, while ensuring that academic initiatives are aligned with the regional and national developmental needs. He advised the University to strengthen integrated and professional programmes to meet the emerging academic and industry demands.

The University Council, which met under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, accorded in-principle approval to several significant academic and administrative proposals. It reviewed and confirmed key reforms in line with the National Education Policy (NEP)–2020, including adoption of the new undergraduate curriculum framework, introduction of new academic programmes and revision of course structures to enhance flexibility and employability.

The Council approved the introduction of new programmes such as the Four-Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), M.A. Education, Masters in Performing Arts, PG Geography and Cyber Security at the PG level, along with new minor, skill and value-added courses across constituent colleges. Student-centric measures such as award of additional credits for sports and cultural activities, revised credit norms for MOOCs and inclusive examination and admission policies were also confirmed.

The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the University’s reform initiatives and emphasized the need to strengthen academic quality, student welfare and institutional governance. He instructed the University to ensure implementation of the e-office system before the end of June, 2026 and to conduct the University Council meetings after every six months.

The Lieutenant Governor called for increased students’ participation in the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect programme. He also issued directions for encouraging active engagement of students in Nasha Mukt Bharat and Nasha Mukt J&K campaigns.

Prof. K. S. Chandrasekar, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, made a detailed presentation on the University’s administrative, academic, financial, examination and evaluation reforms, student enrolment status and various academic collaborations in research and education.

The meeting was attended by Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir, Prof Nilofer Khan; Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Mohammad Mobin; Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Shri Shantmanu; Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari; Provost, SGT University, Prof. Madan Mohan Chaturvedi; Registrar, Cluster University of Jammu, Ms. Ankur Mahajan, other Council members and senior officials.

Reiterates Government’s focused approach on improving educational standards of higher educational institutions across J&K

Also interacts with public delegations, locals

REASI, DECEMBER 27: Minister for Education, Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo today inaugurated newly constructed Academic Block of Government Degree College (GDC) Pouni in Reasi district, marking a significant milestone in strengthening higher education infrastructure in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister emphasized the Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education in rural and remote areas. She said that the new academic block will provide a conducive learning environment for students and help enhance academic activities at the college.

The Minister reiterated that Government is focused on improving the educational standards of higher educational institutions, adding that investment in education is an investment in the future of youth and society at large.

“The newly inaugurated block is equipped with modern classrooms, lecture halls and essential facilities aimed at improving teaching-learning outcomes”, Minister Sakeena said.

She further highlighted that such infrastructure development reflects the Government’s resolve to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all.

Interacting with students and faculty members on the occasion, the Minister encouraged students to make optimum use of the facilities and focus on academic excellence and skill development. She also assured that the government would continue to address the needs of educational institutions to further strengthen the higher education sector.

On the sidelines of the event, Minister Sakeena also interacted with public delegations and locals of the area and took stock of their grievances and issues. The locals projected various issues pertaining to their respective areas before the Minister and sought their timely redressal.

While interacting with these delegations and locals, Minister Sakeena reiterated the Government’s commitment to transparent, people-centric governance and emphasized that public outreach programmes play a vital role in bridging the gap between the administration and the common people. She stressed the need for coordinated efforts by line departments to ensure timely delivery of public services, particularly in far-flung and underserved areas.

The Minister also urged officers to remain accessible to the public and address grievances at the grassroots level, ensuring that welfare schemes reach their intended beneficiaries. She encouraged locals to actively participate in developmental initiatives and share constructive feedback for better planning and execution of projects.

MLA, Reasi, Kuldeep Raj Dubey; MLA Gulabgarh, Engineer Khursheed Ahmad; Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Shantamanu; Director Colleges, Prof. Sheikh Aijaz Bashir; Principal GDC Pouni Reasi, senior officers of Higher Education department, faculty members, students and large number of locals were also present on the occasion.

 

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.