Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, June 8: To strengthen and to ensure optimum outreach of higher education in border and remote areas, Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, today visited the University’s Poonch Campus and reviewed academic progress besides inspecting infrastructural projects.
During the visit, the Vice Chancellor was accompanied by MLA Poonch, Ajaz Jaan; Dr Guneet Singh Sudan, Director IT and OSD, J&K Higher Education Council; Dr Jasbir Singh, Principal, SKC Government Degree College, Poonch; and local Sarpanchs.
Prof Rai interacted with faculty, staff, and campus officials, emphasizing the importance of quality education, skill development, and equitable access to higher education in geographically sensitive and underserved districts.
Importantly, the Vice Chancellor’s visit comes in the lead-up to a historic moment for the University of Jammu as Academic Council of the university is meeting at Bhaderwah Campus on June 15, 2025. The Bhaderwah Campus will also host a series of academic, literary and sports events between June 14-16, 2025, aimed at celebrating regional heritage, encouraging student participation, and promoting communal harmony.
The objective behind holding the Academic Council meeting at Bhaderwah Campus-and similar important events at off-site campuses-is to make these campuses an integral part of the University’s core functioning.
During the Poonch Campus visit, Prof Rai also indicated that new academic programs are being proposed for introduction at Poonch, and the matter will be formally deliberated during the upcoming Academic Council meeting at Bhaderwah.
Dr Rubia Bukhari, In-charge, Department of Sericulture, presented a comprehensive briefing on academic activities and development initiatives at the Poonch Campus.
As part of the engagement, Prof Rai held a productive meeting with Brig Mudit Mahajan to discuss academic cooperation between the University and the armed forces. JU will introduce tailor-made academic programs-including certificate, diploma, and degree courses-designed specifically for armed forces personnel stationed at Poonch and Bhaderwah. These programs will cater to their operational realities while enhancing lifelong learning opportunities.
The Vice Chancellor also stated that University faculty will provide practical, technology-supported solutions to address specific needs of the armed forces, and internship opportunities will be extended to students as part of this collaborative framework.
Earlier, Prof Rai along with other officials from the University paid obeisance at Gurdwara Nangali Sahib. He also interacted with various social organizations in Poonch.
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