Six of 9 J&K University VCs now on extended tenure
Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Apr 23: Vice-Chancellors of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, have been granted extension in tenure, thus taking the number of varsity heads serving on extension to six out of the total nine State Universities in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
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While the Vice-Chancellor of SMVDU has been accorded an extension of two years, the Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Jammu has been given an extension of 13 months (up to the date of his attainment of 65 years), upon completion of their respective existing term of three years.
According to an order issued by the J&K Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat, Prof Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), has been given an extension of two years in his tenure upon completion of his existing term of three years on June 19, 2026 as the VC.
In a separate order, Prof Bhupendra Nath Tripathi, Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, has been granted an extension up to 19-07-2027 ( date of his attainment of 65 years of age), with effect from 20-06-2026, upon completion of his existing term of three years as the VC.
Pertinent to mention that as per the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Act, which governs both the agriculture universities in J&K, the Vice-Chancellor cannot continue beyond the age of 65 years.
With these extensions, six out of the total nine State Universities in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory are now having Vice-Chancellor serving on extended terms. The other four varsities with Vice-Chancellor on extension, are; University of Kashmir, University of Jammu, SKUAST-Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora.
Prof Nilofer Khan was re-appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir for a two -year extension, starting from May 19, 2025 while Prof Umesh Rai was re-appointed as VC of the University of Jammu for a second term of three years, with effect from April 5, 2025.
Similarly, SKUAST-Kashmir Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai and IUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo are on extended tenure of two years from December 16, 2024 and August 15, 2024, respectively.
The move reflects a growing trend of granting extensions to incumbent Vice-Chancellors, a decision claimed to be linked to maintaining stability in ongoing academic, research, and infrastructural initiatives.
According to the sources, such extensions are typically considered in view of institutional requirements, ongoing projects, and the performance of the incumbents. The development on the extensions assumes significance as universities across Jammu and Kashmir continue to implement reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) and expand their academic and research footprints, sources said.
However, on the other hand, the increasing number of extensions has also sparked discussions in academic circles regarding the need for timely appointments and fresh leadership in the universities.
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