Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 11: The Scientists and Teachers Association (STA) of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) of Kashmir today flayed the Government decision to constitute a committee for establishing the Horticulture University by making amendments in SKUAST Act,1982.
The president STA, Dr. S.A. DAR in a statement said that the State Government in an order has shockingly proposed to amend the SKUAST Act, 1982,which is an unwise move as the policy matters fall under the jurisdiction of various statutory bodies of SKUAST and decided by University Council headed by the Governor, who is the Chancellor of the University.
“This order is undermining the statutory bodies and seizes the autonomy of our institution and we will oppose any such move”, he said.
He said the Chancellor in the recently concluded 32nd council meeting had already stressed the need of a horticulture policy in the State about strengthening the faculty of horticulture and advised against any “hurried decision to set up a University of Horticulture”.
“STA demands that if the present Government is serious enough in establishing a Horticulture University, then it should not be merely a cosmetic exercise by changing the sign board hanging above the main gate of well established University, which is not only unjustified but rationally incorrect and it will have direct impact on the food security of the state,” he said
He added that establishing a new university means setting up a new infrastructure, creation of new jobs from auxiliary staff to the faculty. But to establish a university in an existing university is just befooling the people and robbing the resources of the parent University.
As per the president, the hasty and ill-conceived decision of establishing Horticulture University at any campus of SKUAST will paralyze and impede the functioning of this already existing acclaimed Agricultural University.
“We have opposed the move in past and we will continue to fight for the interests of SKUAST in future as well,” the president further added.
Dr J A Bhat, General Secretary of STA said that if any decision hurting the interests of SKUAST is implemented and the association is not taken into confidence, the consequence thereof will be the responsibility of Government and not of the association.
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