‘No one can stop march towards developed India’
Jammu, Oct 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday chaired the 36th meeting of the Executive Council of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) at Raj Bhawan, emphasizing the need to align the university’s growth with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and transform it into a premier institution of higher learning at the national level.
The meeting was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor Jammu University; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor Kashmir University; Prof. Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Management, Ahmedabad University; Prof. A.S.K. Sinha, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi; Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT, Jammu; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO, SMVDSB; Shri Ajay Kumar Sharma, Registrar, SMVDU and other members of Executive Council.
The Executive Council discussed several important academic and administrative issues and gave in-principle approval to various agenda points presented during the meeting.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the University to take a comprehensive review of the various important initiatives and programmes to regularly update the curriculum to meet the objectives of National Education Policy-2020 and transforming SMVDU into a premier educational institute at the National level.
He highlighted the need for a dedicated focus on lifelong learning skill and community engagement, increasing enrolment, industry collaboration and networking, Skill enhancement through short term courses, research, innovation and incubation, patents, strengthening of faculty and staff, and the introduction of new programs from the upcoming academic year.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the University to establish a specialized faculty for languages to offer integrated courses in Hindi, Dogri, French, and German. He emphasized on encouraging students enrolled in foreign languages and technical courses to also pursue Hindi and Dogri languages.
He also instructed the SMVDU to implement the complete digitalization of all University records.
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing projects and construction works in the University, implementation of NEP-2020, important matters pertaining to admissions, recruitment, faculty career advancement, non-functional promotions for non-teaching staff, end to end digitisation of student life cycle management process and utilization of e-Samarth dashboard.
The chair was informed that the university has now been designated as a ‘TCS Priority College’ by Tata Consultancy Services for a period of three years as part of their campus placement program.
Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University presented various Agenda items before the Executive Council for approval and ratification.
Meanwhile, in another event LG Sinha said, “Inclusion is the key for prosperity,” the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha said on Monday. He said in the past few years, the government’s efforts were focused on ensuring all members of society participate fully in J&K’s developmental journey and people with special abilities are able to unlock their potential and contribute to greater prosperity and social stability. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the 45th Foundation Day of School for the hearing impaired run by J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra.
The Lieutenant Governor also observed that several forces based abroad and also in India are trying to stop the progress of the country. He said this conspiracy has been hatched by certain elements but no power can stop our march towards developed India.
“India will emerge more powerful defeating the challenges and hurdles created by certain elements. No one can stop our rise,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, called for implementing inclusive rehabilitation measures for people with special abilities and ensuring equal opportunities for them in education and employment.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the four important aspects for empowerment of people with special abilities. First, identifying their strengths and promoting them, secondly, to create an inclusive environment that helps them in independent thinking and taking independent decisions, thirdly, to provide full support to their decision-making abilities and fourthly, to create a conducive environment for self-learning and self-improvement.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to Dr. R.R. Khajuria, founder of J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra and commended all the members of the organisation for their selfless service to the society.
He assured every possible support and assistance to J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra for the smooth functioning of the school. He called upon the corporate houses, business community, and citizens to come forward and contribute to this noble endeavour.
The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the children with special abilities for presenting enthralling performances to mark the occasion.
Shri K.B. Jandial, President, J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra; Dr. Rakesh Khajuria, Vice President; Shri J.K. Vaidya, General Secretary, and other members of J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra, special educators and students were present.
Dr Ashok Bhan, Ms Gunjan Rana and Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma – Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri BR Sharma, Chairman, Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K and senior officers also attended the foundation day ceremony.
