Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: Minister for Higher Education, Mohammed Akbar Lone on Wednesday announced setting up of a monitoring cell at apex level for undertaking academic auditing in institutions of higher learning in the State.
Interacting with party workers, students and people of various parts of the State at the party headquarters, as continuation of the initiative taken by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in reaching out to different segments of society and addressing their problems, the Minister said focused attention is being paid towards rationalizing educational system, making it more relevant to the changing times.
“Emphasis is being laid on launching job oriented courses to enable pass out face the competitive world with much more confidence and vigour”, the Minister said, adding that impetus is being given to further enhancing academic standards and improving infrastructural facilities. He hoped that management of the varsities and colleges would gear up for meeting the challenges in the field of education.
Referring to his recent visit to Government College of Engineering and Technology in Jammu, Mr Lone said he was disturbed to see the academic sections and the administrative blocks functioning from different locations. He said instructions were issued for shifting the administrative block to the campus. He said the college management has been asked to ensure free transport facilities for the students of the college.
Urging youngsters to concentrate on their academics, the Minister said the coalition government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will encourage enterprising youth to pursue career oriented courses within and outside the country.
He appreciated the initiative taken by the Chief Minister in holding special public hearings and said this will help bridging the gap between the leadership and the party cadre.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana stressed empowering party workers at grassroots by involving them in the decision making with regard to development of their areas. People’s participation in implementing various welfare programmes and execution of schemes, he said, is essential for bringing about a positive change in governance.
Mr Rana said the mechanism conceived by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for addressing specific public needs through various forums, including public hearing at party headquarters, will go a long way in assuaging their urges and aspirations.
The Provincial President vowed to involve party workers in the process of governance, saying the party chief attaches immense importance in strengthening rank and file of National Conference.
Deputation of students from various Departments of University of Jammu viz Department of Punjabi, Electronic, Statistics, Home Science, Geography besides deputation of Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA) led by its president Professor J.P. Singh Joorel, Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA) led by its President Rakesh Chib, as also students of Degree College Akhnoor, Rajouri, Paloura, met the Minister and apprised him of their problems.
Meanwhile, B. D Bhagat, a retired IAS officer and former Chairman J&K State Services Selection Board joined National Conference in presence of Provincial President Devender Singh Rana and Minister for Higher Education Mohammed Akbar Lone besides senior party leaders.
Welcoming Mr Bhagat to the party fold, the Provincial President exuded confidence that his joining will further strengthen the party and help in serving the people with a missionary zeal.
The Minister for Higher Education hoped that Mr Bhagat will serve the people in his new role with same zeal and dedication as he did during his service career.
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