Sakeena pitches for introducing skill based courses in emerging fields

Srinagar, July 22: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, conducted comprehensive review of functioning of Cluster University Srinagar (CUS) and its constituent colleges in a meeting held at Civil Secretariat here today.In a statement issued, Vice Chancellor CUS, Professor Mohammad Mobin; Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education department, Shantamanu; Director Colleges J&K, Special Secretary Higher Education department, Principals of constituent colleges and other concerned officers attended the meeting.During the meeting, the Minister held detailed assessment of academic performance, infrastructure development, faculty strength, student services, admissions and progress of ongoing projects in the University.Addressing the officers, the Minister emphasized the urgent need to align the academic activities with current market demands. She directed the university administration and affiliated colleges to introduce skill-based, job-oriented courses in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Hospitality Management, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Tourism Management and other job oriented fields.She also asked the officers to maintain coordination with different stakeholders and ensure that the courses are industry-linked and designed in consultation with experts from the respective sector. She also called for strengthening the existing vocational and add-on courses.“Academic excellence must go hand in hand with employability. Students don’t need just degrees, but skills that make them competitive and employable in today’s dynamic job market”, the Minister stated.The Minister further reiterated Government’s commitment towards transforming the higher education in Jammu & Kashmir into a dynamic, skill-driven and inclusive system. She assured continued support to the University from the government to implement transformative reforms.