JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has emphasized upon reorientation of professional courses offered at state universities as per the demands of ever-expanding job market.
He also asked the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Education to explore possibility of getting back the funds for development of off-site campuses of Jammu University from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), which lapsed due to non-utilisation.
Mufti Sayeed, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of Jammu University and the head of State’s Higher Education Council (SHEC), made these remarks while reviewing the functioning of Jammu University, yesterday.
Asking the Vice Chancellor to activate satellite campuses as vibrant centres of learning, the Chief Minister observed that top private firms will not converge upon J&K for placement of qualified professionals unless we reorient our courses as per the needs and demands of the ever-expanding job market.
Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, Minister for Education Naeem Akhtar, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Prof Amitabh Mattoo; Chief Secretary B R Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B B Vyas, and Vice Chancellor of Jammu University Prof R D Sharma attended the meeting.
On the issue of lapse of funds released by MHRD to Jammu University for expansion and development of off-site campuses, Sayeed said the Government will request MHRD to see if the funds can be revalidated and utilized in development of satellite campuses.
The University Grants Commission had released over Rs 100 crore for construction of building and raising infrastructure in off-site campuses of Jammu University in 2012, but a huge share of the funds were not utilized within the stipulated deadline and had to be returned to UGC.
Jammu University is accredited as a Grade A varsity by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
Laying stress on establishing schools of skill development and developing linkages with top private firms, the Chief Minister asked the VC to focus on market-driven courses, including at off-site campuses, to enhance employability of qualified youth in highly-competitive job market.
While briefing the Chief Minister about the activities of JU, the Vice Chancellor said the university has grown to 36 department, 15 teaching and research centres, seven off-site campuses, and 171 affiliated colleges.
Presently offering 131 programmes, the university has introduced new postgraduate and graduate courses in heritage, tourism, hospitality, applied geology and sericulture streams.
Last year, JU also had the distinction to host for the first time 101st session of Indian Science Congress, which attracted eminent scientists and academicians from all over the world, including two Noble laureates. (agencies)
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