CS assesses issues of Cluster Universities Jammu, Srinagar

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chairing a meeting on Friday.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chairing a meeting on Friday.

* Reviews progress of WB-funded JTFRP
Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 3: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, today deliberated on addressing key challenges and strategize effective solutions to enhance the functioning of Cluster Universities of Jammu and Srinagar transforming them into beacons of educational innovation and excellence.
The Chief Secretary, while chairing a meeting held here at Civil Secretariat to assess the issues concerning both the Cluster Universities, emphasized that the goal for these institutions is to emerge as paragons of excellence, not only within the region but also as models to be replicated across the country.
Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Alok Kumar, Vice Chancellors of Cluster University Jammu, Professor Bechan Lal and Cluster University Srinagar, Professor Qayyum Hussain, Director General Budget, Director Colleges and other concerned attended the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Secretary reiterated Government’s unwavering commitment towards extending comprehensive support to the Cluster Universities.
Atal Dulloo had detailed review of several issues concerning working of the Universities which inter alia included creation of posts, formulation of rules for the deputation of staff from Higher Education Department, and other administrative concerns.
Both Vice Chancellors elaborated on the challenges they face, encompassing the creation of teaching and non-teaching positions, resource allocation, and introduction of new academic programs.
During the deliberations, VC CUS emphasized the imperative need for the universities to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and elevate the higher education landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary chaired a review meeting to assess the progress on World Bank-funded Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP).
Chief Executive Officer, Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA), Dr. Sehrish Asgar, presented a detailed report highlighting significant milestones achieved, so far.
During the meeting, it was informed that the proposals for additional works from six line departments were submitted to the World Bank, with four proposals receiving approval from the World Bank. Besides, the discussions focused on expediting completion of the Bone and Joint Hospital and other crucial projects.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for an expedited procurement process for these new projects within given timelines. He also urged upon the concerned to pursue the Lal Ded Hospital project approval with the World Bank at the earliest so that the same would be taken up further.
The meeting also reviewed the progress on upgrading 49 dewatering stations, advancing Lal Ded Hospital project documentation, completing the State Emergency Operation Center structure and ongoing electro-mechanical component procurement.
Besides, implementation of Integrated Operational Forecasting System (IOFS), Digital Risk Database (DRDB) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems was reviewed in detail.
Notably, it was informed that the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) project has connected 72 out of 80 dewatering stations and are ready to be operated remotely by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation.