Srinagar, Nov 23: Creative hobbies are an excellent medium for young pupils to acquire leadership qualities, human values, a willingness to take chances, an appreciation of the power of new ideas, competency to confront future difficulties, and personality attributes, asserted Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today while inaugurating the Annual Youth Festival ‘Sonzal-2022’ at the University of Kashmir.
Sonzal means rainbow, which is a symbol of hope, inspiration and good fortune. For students, rainbow finally arrives when they have space for individual growth, independent thinking and opportunity to discover their own hidden treasure that will contribute in nation building, the Lt Governor added.
Extending his best wishes to the participating youth on the occasion, the Lt Governor said that the annual festival is a great opportunity for young artists’ to showcase their talents and ‘Sonzal’ provides them much-needed platform to achieve the dream of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
The Lt Governor emphasized on laying specific focus on creativity, critical thinking, collaboration to replace curriculum overload, more hours of learning to quality learning time. Syllabus should be more adaptable and dynamic, providing space for cutting edge innovation, he added.
Observing that Young students are multi-faceted, multi-dimensional, the Lt Governor entrusted upon the Educational Institutions to discharge their responsibility to ensure freedom, creativity and engagement for them to become multi-achievers, and acquire knowledge & skills to thrive and shape their future.
Our focus on ensuring choice, collaboration, curiosity, communication, critical thinking, creativity, research & enhanced engagement in education system can create better education goals and equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge & values, he added.
The Lt Governor said that education is not about the race to come first but education is about achieving the highest peak of values in life. Institutions must ensure that the new learning framework and key concepts as recommended by National Education Policy are incorporated in curriculum, he added.
The Lt Governor further emphasized on laying specific focus on creativity, critical thinking, collaboration to replace curriculum overload, more hours of learning to quality learning time. Syllabus should be more adaptable and dynamic, providing space for cutting edge innovation, he added.
The Lt Governor appreciated the efforts of the Kashmir University for making necessary changes to incorporate recommendations of National Education Policy. ‘University of Kashmir has been transformed into a centre of excellence and promoting scientific research, new ideas and knowledge, and adapting to rapid change across the world in fundamental aspects of the educational landscape’, he said.
Prof Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir spoke about the broad contours of the Mega Youth festival. In line with the directions of the Lt Governor, the academic progression as well as empowerment of youth is the core aim of the university and this youth festival is a step in that direction, she added.
Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST, congratulated the University of Kashmir for providing a platform for youth to showcase their talent.
During the inaugural ceremony, the students of University presented a mesmerizing performance on University Tarana and a colorful Rouf dance performance.
The best-performing youth will also get the opportunity to participate in the North Zone Youth Festival and later in the National Youth Festival.
Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Sh. Mohammad Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Dean Students Welfare, Prof Aneesa Shafi; former Vice Chancellors; Registrar, Kashmir University; Directors of Satellite campuses; Deans, HoDs, research scholars and a large number of students were present on the occasion.
Govt enhances fiscal empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions
The Administrative Council (AC), which convened here under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved the delegation of authority to Gram Panchayats, Block Samitis, and Zila Parishads for the administrative approval of the execution of works, the cost of which will be covered out of the Panchayats’ own resources.
The decision is a significant step toward empowering PRIs, as it will allow them to set their own priorities and help them complete projects on time using their own and panchayat resources.
In the backdrop of its mission to enhance the inclusive growth of rural areas in the Union territory, the government, through this decision, aims to promote self-reliance in financial matters.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, advisor to the lieutenant governor, and Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, chief secretary, J&K, attended the meeting.
In order to promote the involvement of PRIs in the development process, the government has further empowered the Panchayati Raj Institutions financially. Following this decision, Gram Panchayats were given the authority to grant administrative approval for works ranging from Rs 1.00 to Rs 5 lakh, Block Samitis were given the authority to grant administrative approval for works ranging from Rs 5.00 to Rs 20 lakh, and the Zila Parishad was given the authority to grant administrative approval for works up to Rs 1 crore. The PRIs will be able to incur expenditures as per the General Financial Rules and guidelines related to AA, TS, and e-tendering.
