Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Mar 10: In what can transform the research scenario in Jammu University and take its standard to new heights, the biggest ever proposal of Rs 99 crores has been submitted to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for funding of research works here.
Once approved, the huge funding would give a major boost to quality of research work in Jammu University and bring the premier institution in the category of top ranking varsities in the country.
Besides, the JU Professors are being trained for drafting, submitting and pursuing Research Proposals to different agencies, including UGC, DST, ICSR, CSIR, ICMR, SAP etc to seek funding for their works.
This was disclosed by JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohan Pal Singh during an exclusive interview with the EXCELSIOR.
“The Jammu University has the potential to excel and there are a number of agencies to facilitate the research work but we need to convince these bodies about our capacity, requirement and right use of the funds,” he said.
Admitting that a majority of JU teachers were so far lacking awareness as well as skills to convince the research funding agencies, Prof Ishar said a major emphasis was now being laid on training the faculty through workshops to draft and pursue the Research Proposals. He disclosed that JU recently got Rs 9 crores grant under PURSE (Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence), out of which Rs 3 crore have been released and utilized for purchasing new equipments in Sciences.
Expressing satisfaction over his performance as the Vice-Chancellor of JU for the last more than one year, Prof Ishar claimed that the university was moving in right direction for achieving new heights though the pace may not be satisfactory.
“We are moving in right direction notwithstanding some institutionalized delays and inertia in the system, which are beyond our control and command,” he said and listed various positive developments such as online registration for examinations, single page registration, total computerization, transparency through credit based evaluation system etc.
Prof Ishar disclosed that Jammu University was developing its indigenous system for conducting, evaluating and compiling the entrance exam for admission to various PG course from forthcoming session without involving outside agency. He also informed that construction work for Kathua Campus is going to begin within days as all formalities in this regard have been completed.
However, at the same time, the Vice-Chancellor admitted that some inertia in the system, technical difficulties and financial constraints were posing hurdles in further growth of the JU.
“Except Bhaderwah and Kathua, we have so far failed to get land for the offsite campuses, which also do not have any permanent faculty,” Prof Ishar said admitting the shortage of faculty in JU main campus also. “I am going to take up the matter regarding faculty position with the Government and we hope that the situation would improve in near future,” he said.
Sharing his approach towards the issues concerning JU students and employees, the Vice-Chancellor stressed for healthy interaction for evolving viable solution of all the problems.
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