Jammu, Feb 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today underscored the severe threat posed by climate change to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the region’s escalating water crisis, urging for increased awareness and action to mitigate the risks.
“We are not doing enough to educate our people about what is happening with climate change and the dangers it poses. A lot of that responsibility lies with us as political leaders,” the Chief Minister said during the inaugural session of a three-day workshop on ‘Capacity Building in Innovation Pedagogy for the Implementation of NEP-2020’ at Brig Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu.
The workshop, organized by the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Center (MMTTC) in collaboration with the Skill Incubation, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Development Center (SIIEDC), University of Jammu, saw participation from Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Professor Umesh Rai, the Vice-Chancellors of SMVD University, BGSBS University, and Cluster University of Jammu, along with senior faculty, college principals, and students.
The Chief Minister highlighted the alarming precipitation deficit in the region, emphasizing its direct impact on the water supply. “Until this morning, when the rains finally arrived, we were facing an 80-85% precipitation deficit this winter, signaling a major water crisis. Our agricultural patterns rely on the assumption of adequate water availability. But with current water levels, cultivating paddy, which is water-intensive, would be nearly impossible,” he warned.
Turning to the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), the Chief Minister spoke on the ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD) program, noting that the initiative allows students to shape their educational paths in alignment with their interests, enhancing their skills and making them more competitive in the job market.
“As Jammu and Kashmir’s private sector expands—particularly in industries like tourism and manufacturing—and as the region becomes more integrated into the national economy, greater job opportunities will emerge. With Jammu University gaining national recognition, students armed with the right skills will have a distinct advantage,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the intense academic pressures students face, the Chief Minister noted, “It’s astonishing how much pressure we put on our children. When you see the cut-off percentages for top colleges like Delhi University—some even at 100%—it raises the question: what is beyond 100%?”
He also stressed the significance of the DYD program as a transformative change in education, allowing students the flexibility to study subjects they are passionate about. “This is a departure from the traditional model, where students were told what to study. Now, they can design their degrees, enhancing both their academic experience and career prospects,” he added.
In addressing future prospects, the Chief Minister emphasized the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping both education and industry. “Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how we approach learning and work. While it presents challenges, such as the ease of using tools like ChatGPT for academic tasks, it also offers immense opportunities for innovation and growth,” he said.
He credited the faculty from Delhi University, pioneers of the DYD initiative, for their guidance in implementing the program. “This shift requires a change in mindset for both students and teachers. Traditionally, teachers were told what to teach. Now, students are asked, ‘What do you want to learn?’ and teachers must adapt their approach accordingly. The expertise of these eminent professors is invaluable as we navigate this transition,” he added.
The Chief Minister assured his ongoing support for Jammu University, both personally and in his capacity as the university’s Pro-Chancellor. “I assure you that as long as I am here, I will do whatever I can to help Jammu University grow and thrive,” he affirmed.
In his address, the Chief Minister also congratulated Jammu University for its achievement in securing the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation. He expressed his best wishes for the success of the workshop and highlighted his interactions with students from Government Women’s College (GWC) Parade and Jammu University under the DYD program. “The conversations with these students were inspiring, and I look forward to more such engagements with young and talented minds,” he said.
