CM Omar Abdullah Stresses Quality and Innovation in Higher Education
Addresses Valedictory Session of National Education Policy Conclave-2025 at Amar Singh College, Srinagar
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday underscored the need for Jammu and Kashmir’s education system to continuously evolve with the changing times, asserting that quality and innovation must remain the cornerstones of higher education in the Union Territory.
He was speaking at the valedictory session of the two-day National Education Policy (NEP) Conclave-2025, organised by the Higher Education Department (HED) at Amar Singh College, Srinagar.
The event was attended by Minister for Higher Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary HED Shatmanu, Vice Chairman J&K Higher Education Council Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chancellors of various universities, Director Colleges Prof. Aijaz Bashir, Principal Amar Singh College Ajaz Ahmed Hakak, principals, educationists, and students from across Jammu and Kashmir.
Reflecting on the evolution of India’s education landscape, the Chief Minister noted that the era of rote learning has given way to a more dynamic, learner-centric system.
“Earlier, students memorised lessons, wrote exams, earned degrees, and entered the world with little practical readiness. Companies often said they got educated youth who first needed to ‘unlearn’ before being retrained,” he said.
Omar Abdullah observed that the National Education Policy has empowered students to design flexible, interdisciplinary degrees that integrate theory with practical learning—making them more confident and employable.
“Unlike earlier times when we had to pick between fixed streams—medical, non-medical, commerce, or arts—today’s students can tailor their degrees according to their aspirations,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also visited an innovation and craft exhibition organised as part of the conclave, praising the creativity and problem-solving mindset of participating students. He cited several innovative projects, including a fingerprint-based car ignition system linked with Aadhaar to prevent underage driving, carbon monoxide detection sensors for winter safety, and automated water flow systems for frozen pipelines.
“These are not mere classroom concepts but real solutions to real-world challenges. This is exactly the kind of critical thinking and application the NEP envisions,” he said.
Omar Abdullah further commended students excelling in traditional crafts such as papier-mâché, embroidery, beekeeping, and organic farming, calling them “symbols of vocational excellence and cultural heritage.”
Referring to the Colleges on Wheels initiative, he said such programmes have broadened the perspectives of young learners, especially women.
“It might have been difficult for parents to allow their daughters to travel across the country, but those journeys have surely been life-changing. I hope the Higher Education Department continues such transformative efforts,” he added.
Congratulating colleges that earned NAAC accreditation, the Chief Minister described it as a testament to academic excellence and urged other institutions to make accreditation their priority.
“Achieving NAAC accreditation is a mark of quality assurance. Every college should strive to meet these national benchmarks,” he said.
On the occasion, Omar Abdullah felicitated principals of accredited colleges and presented appreciation certificates to students excelling in sports and extracurricular activities across J&K.
Earlier, he toured the innovation and craft exhibition, interacting with students and commending their creativity and innovative spirit.
