Jammu, Nov 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired the 35th meeting of the Executive Council of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU).
The meeting addressed key academic and administrative matters, including the career advancement promotions for faculty members, non-functional promotions for non-teaching staff, increasing student enrollment, enhancing campus placements, and expanding the university’s outreach programs. The discussion also focused on promoting innovation, start-ups, research, and skill development initiatives.
Emphasizing the need for the university to adapt to the evolving demands of the economy, the Lieutenant Governor remarked, “The university must formulate a comprehensive strategy to promote innovative programs and courses like Design Your Degree, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Management, and Architecture with specialization in Urban and Town Planning. We need to fill the gap in the availability of employable skills.” He further added, “We should also focus on strengthening the School of Languages and promote regional languages and Sanskrit.”
The Executive Council gave in-principle approval to several agenda points, including the revision of the curriculum to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the creation of a Faculty of Medical Sciences under the SMVDIME. Discussions also centered around other reforms aimed at enhancing the overall functioning of the university.
The meeting was also briefed on the progress of decisions made in previous sessions, ongoing construction projects, and recent initiatives to strengthen the SMVDU Technology Business Incubation Centre. Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SMVDU, presented various agenda items for approval and ratification.
The meeting was attended by top academic leaders, including Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor of SMVDU; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of Jammu University; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University; Prof. Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Management at Ahmedabad University; Prof. A.S.K. Sinha, Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology; Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director of IIT Jammu; Dr. Mandeep Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Shri Anshul Garg, CEO of SMVDSB; Ajay Kumar Sharma, Registrar of SMVDU, along with other members of the Executive Council.
Meanwhile, in another event at Raj Bhawan, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha interacted with the volunteers and officials of J&K Bharat Scouts and Guides, commending their exemplary contribution to society.
“The Scouts and Guides inculcate among youth the values of our civilization and ancient culture. They are an inspiring example of discipline, camaraderie, and selfless service,” the Lieutenant Governor remarked during the interaction.
He congratulated the J&K Bharat Scouts and Guides team for their outstanding efforts in inspiring more youth from the Union Territory to join their noble cause. “It is a matter of great pride that the enrollment of volunteers has increased significantly from 7,500 in 2020 to 14,000 in 2024. The work done by the team is truly praiseworthy, and they continue to discharge their duties with efficiency and effectiveness,” he said.
As the Chief Patron of J&K Bharat Scouts and Guides, the Lieutenant Governor assured full support to further strengthen the movement in the region. “The young volunteers of J&K Bharat Scouts and Guides symbolize the hope and promise of the Union Territory. I am confident they will play a key role in bringing about constructive socio-economic changes in J&K,” he added.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor was presented with the ‘Bharat Scouts & Guides Flag Sticker’ as part of the Foundation Day celebration, which was observed on November 7th. He was also briefed on the activities and achievements of the Scouts & Guides in J&K.
The interaction was attended by Wg. Cdr MM Joshi, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides; Maitre Jain, J&K Commissioner (Guide); and other senior officials, trainers, and members of the Scouts & Guides.
