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.
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.
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.
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (J&K BOSE) has put affiliation of 4 schools under suspension following confirmation of reports about adoption of non- J&K BOSE prescribed textbooks in their institutions.
These schools are being issued show- cause notices as to why their affiliation cannot be cancelled for open defiance of terms and conditions of affiliation and violation of J&K BOSE Act.
In a press note issued here today, J&K BOSE while giving details revealed that affiliation of Radiant Public School, Anantnag, Solace International School, Pulwama, Holy Mission School, Narbal, Budgam and Pioneer Educational Institute, Hanjiwara, Pattan, Baramulla was put under suspension and their Board related facilities were withheld forthwith.
The schools which were imposed fine include Candid Higher Secondary School, Nowgam, Fayaz Educational Institute, Chanapora, Nowgam, Al- Fajr Institute, Chanapora, Nowgam, Al- Huda Public School, Pattan, Baramulla, Shamas Memorial School, Khansahib, Budgam, Hanfia High School, Frisal, Kulgam, Future Vision School, Bandipora and Linton Hall School, Rajbagh, Srinagar.
The institutions were directed to deposit the penalty amount within a week in default of which disaffiliation proceedings will be initiated.
Meanwhile, the Board has issued stern instructions to private schools to ensure adoption of prescribed curriculum including textbooks, which it said are aligned with NEP- 2020 involving age appropriate content of NCERT.
The textbooks, BOSE said are affordable and cost effective with focus on competency-based learning in sync with physical and mental development of children. Adoption of these books ensures academic growth without bringing mental pressure to the children in their formative stages of development, it added.
Ganderbal, Nov 20: Rajbhasha Cell, Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Thursday organised a one-day workshop on “Standardization of Technical Hindi” at Tulmulla Campus.
Addressing the participants, Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, said, workshops like this enable employees to use Hindi accurately in official work, documentation, correspondence, and other communications. “Today’s workshop is an important step in equipping the staff with the professional competence required for seamless official communication in Hindi,” Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir remarked. He further said that “Effective implementation of the Rajbhasha Policy is essential for ensuring efficient governance in the university.” CUKashmir Registrar, said the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath is keen to reinforce the institution’s commitment to linguistic development, administrative excellence, and national policy alignment and holding such capacity building programmes is one of the components.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean School of Languages (SoL), Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, said, “Language is the soul of cultural expression and administrative coherence. As a School dedicated to linguistic studies, SoL is committed to strengthening Hindi’s presence in academics and administration. This workshop reflects the University’s vision of enhancing technical linguistic skills of the employees,” she remarked.
In his address, former Head Department of Hindi, Guru Nanak Dev University, Prof. Vinod Kumar Taneja highlighted the challenges that arise from inconsistent usage of terminology and the importance of adopting nationally approved vocabulary in governance, academics, and documentation. “Standardization is the backbone of effective official communication. When terminology and expressions are used consistently, it brings clarity, coherence, and professionalism to institutional functioning,” Prof. Taneja remarked. Prof. Kumar later trained the participants on e-tools, Kantasth, Inscript keyboard and machine translation.
In his speech, Finance Officer, Dr. Arif Khan, said, “Hindi, as the Rajbhasha, is not merely a medium of communication but a vital administrative instrument for ensuring uniformity. “Standardization of terminology is essential for professional clarity and institutional coherence,” he said. He further spoke on the importance of linguistic proficiency, administrative terminology, and the cultural role of Hindi in national integration.
Addressing the gathering, Librarian, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Bhat, said, “Libraries are custodians of knowledge, and language plays a key role in organizing, disseminating, and accessing information. Initiatives like this strengthen our commitment to support staff with upgraded linguistic resources,” he noted.
Hindi Adhikari, Dr. Sakina Akhter, who conducted the programme, gave a detailed overview about the role and responsibilities of the Rajbhasha Cell in implementing the Official Language Policy of the Government of India. She said that several employees have already completed Prabodh, Praveen, Pragya, and Parangat, courses designed for central government employees who are not native Hindi speakers and need to gain proficiency in Hindi for official work.
Srinagar, November 19, 2025: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centre Srinagar today celebrated the 40th Foundation Day of the University at the Auditorium Hall of S.P. College Srinagar. The main Foundation Day function was held at IGNOU Headquarters, New Delhi.
The programme in Srinagar was attended by officials of the Regional Centre, principals and faculty members of leading colleges, coordinators and counsellors of IGNOU study centres, students, and former Regional Directors. Among the dignitaries present were Prof. Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, Principal S.P. College; Prof. Yasmeena Farooq, Principal Women’s College Srinagar; and Prof. Gulam Mohd, Vice Principal A.S. College Srinagar. Shri Saurab Bhagat, IAS, Commissioner Secretary to Government, was the Chief Guest.
In his welcome address Prof. John Mohd, Assistant Coordinator, Study Centre 1209 (S.P. College), highlighted the major achievements of IGNOU and its role in widening access to higher education, particularly in the far flung regions of Kashmir and Ladakh. Coordinators of Study Centres SC-1209 and SC-30039, Prof. Waheed Iqbal and Prof. Mustafa Majid Sheikh, shared their experiences and spoke about rising enrolment, improved support services, and IGNOU’s impact on community learning.
Shri Saurabh Bhagat appreciated the quality of IGNOU study materials and encouraged students especially competitive examination aspirants to rely on them. He lauded the Regional Centre Srinagar for consistently maintaining high enrolment numbers and strengthening distance education in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Regional Director Dr. A.H. Rizvi reiterated IGNOU’s mission of providing inclusive and accessible education. He acknowledged the contributions of coordinators, counsellors and staff in maintaining strong student support services and urged learners to study IGNOU materials thoroughly and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the nation. Dr. Rizvi thanked the Chief Guest, the principals of participating colleges, and the S.P. College administration for their support in organising the Foundation Day programme.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Abdullah, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries and participants.
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 18: An awareness programme was held under Mission YUVA–Udyam Jagriti 4.0 at the Government College of Education (IASE), M.A. Road, Srinagar, here on Tuesday.
Faculty and students from various city colleges attended the programme, including Women’s College, M.A. Road, Srinagar; Government Sri Pratap College, Srinagar; A.S. College, Srinagar; Government Degree College Bemina and others.
Nodal Principal of Kashmir Division Colleges, Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naz, presided over the function, while Assistant Director Employment, Srinagar, Aaliya Amin, , and Employment Officer, Tanveer Ahmad were the special guests on the occasion.
Dr. Seema Naz addressed the gathering and highlighted that Udyam Jagriti is a flagship awareness campaign under the Mission YUVA initiative in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and skill development among the youth. “Youth Empowerment directly targets young people, encouraging them to become entrepreneurs rather than depend solely on jobs. Economic Growth creates enterprises, it aims to boost local economies and generate substantial employment”, she added.
Assistant Director Employment, Srinagar, gave a detailed overview of Mission YUVA-Udyam Jagriti 4.0. She briefed the participants about the registration process and the Mission YUVA digital platform, explaining that during awareness camps, youth are encouraged to register on the Youth Skill & Entrepreneurship App, a key component of Mission YUVA’s digital infrastructure. The app facilitates matchmaking, training, monitoring, and provides information about various support systems and government schemes.
The Employment Officer also briefed the participants about the campaign, explaining that it informs young people about the Mission YUVA app, various financial schemes, and online skill modules. He emphasized that the primary goal of the initiative is to foster self-reliance and encourage entrepreneurship as a viable career path by promoting a culture of innovation and skill enhancement.
Says strengthening higher education, research & skilling as key to building a knowledge-driven J&K
AWANTIPORA, NOVEMBER 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the 20th Foundation Day celebrations of the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST), Awantipora, reiterating his Government’s commitment to strengthen the higher education, skilling, and research ecosystem across Jammu and Kashmir to enable youth to lead the region towards a progressive and knowledge-driven future.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister extended warm felicitations to the University for achieving the milestone, praising IUST’s remarkable progress over two decades. “Great things often come from humble beginnings. The growth I see here today—in infrastructure, academic environment and the quality of students—reflects that IUST has evolved into a beacon of learning and innovation,” he said.
Reflecting on the transformation in the education landscape, Omar Abdullah highlighted the significance of the new education policy and its flexibility for students. “The ability to design your own degree and blend practical knowledge with classroom learning is a gift your generation enjoys. In our time, education meant repeating what was in the books, without knowing if it would ever be useful. Today’s system encourages creative and critical thinking,” he observed.
The Chief Minister, who earlier inaugurated the University’s Tech Expo, lauded the students’ ingenuity and problem-solving spirit. “The innovative projects I saw today give me confidence that our future will be brighter than our present. From robotic fruit-picking systems to automatic snow shovels designed for narrow lanes—these ideas address real challenges and demonstrate the evolving mindset of our youth,” he remarked.
Underscoring the importance of research and patents emerging from the University, the Chief Minister noted, “In the field of education, 20 years is infancy. Yet, for a young institution like IUST to have produced over 70 patents speaks volumes about its academic vibrancy and innovative spirit.”
He assured full government support to the University’s ongoing expansion and infrastructure development. “It is our responsibility to ensure that IUST gets all necessary facilities and resources to continue its growth trajectory. Whatever we can do to support this institution, we will,” he pledged.
Referring to the emerging educational hub around Awantipora, Omar Abdullah said, “With AIIMS Awantipora nearing completion, this area will soon become a key centre of learning and healthcare. We must, therefore, continue to nurture IUST’s growth plans.”
The Chief Minister also endorsed the University’s proposals for developing sports infrastructure and affiliation of colleges from South Kashmir. He assured to expedite the land transfer for sports while advocating for sharing the facilities with the local community. “If such facilities are built with public resources, they should benefit the larger community as well,” he said.
On the affiliation of colleges, he remarked, “It’s time to recognize that Kashmir is no longer a single-university region. IUST has matured enough to affiliate colleges in South Kashmir. Sometimes, resistance to change is just human nature—but progress requires us to adapt.”
Reaffirming his personal commitment to the University, Omar Abdullah said, “I assure you of my Government’s continued support and engagement. Every time you invite me, I will be here. Twenty years is a milestone, but I am confident the next twenty will be even more successful for IUST.”
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Community Radio Station and the Veshav Girls Hostel, released the University’s Annual Report, and witnessed the exchange of six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with reputed institutions and industries. He also felicitated students who brought laurels to Jammu & Kashmir in national-level sports events.
Minister for Agriculture Javid Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Ghulam Mohiddin Mir, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, Rafiq Ahmed Naik, and Waheed Para, Vice Chancellor IUST Prof. Shakeel Romshoo, faculty members, and students were present on the occasion.
