JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 36th meeting of the Executive Council of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) at the Raj Bhawan today.
The meeting was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Prof. Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Management, Ahmedabad University; Prof. A.S.K. Sinha, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi; Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Shri Ajay Kumar Sharma, Registrar, SMVDU; and other members of the Executive Council.
During the meeting, the Council deliberated on several key academic and administrative matters and granted in-principle approval to multiple agenda points presented for consideration.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of ongoing initiatives and programmes, urging the University to regularly update its curriculum in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He reiterated his vision to transform SMVDU into a premier national-level institution of higher learning.
Highlighting priority areas, the Lt Governor called for a strong focus on lifelong learning, community engagement, higher enrolment, industry partnerships, skill enhancement through short-term courses, research, innovation, incubation, and patent development. He also stressed on faculty development, staff strengthening, and the introduction of new academic programs from the upcoming session.
To promote linguistic diversity, the Lt Governor directed the University to establish a dedicated Faculty of Languages offering integrated courses in Hindi, Dogri, French, and German. He further encouraged students pursuing foreign languages and technical disciplines to also learn Hindi and Dogri.
He instructed the University to complete the digitalization of all its records to enhance administrative efficiency.
The Council also reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects, the implementation of NEP-2020, and key issues related to admissions, recruitment, faculty promotions, non-functional promotions for non-teaching staff, and end-to-end digitalization of the student life cycle management process through the e-Samarth dashboard.
It was informed that Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has designated SMVDU as a ‘TCS Priority College’ for a period of three years under its campus placement program — a recognition that underscores the University’s growing academic and industry relevance.
Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, presented various agenda items before the Executive Council for approval and ratification.
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