J&K Government confers State Award on Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon,IAS Principal Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department for the meritorious public service on the Republic day, 2018

J&K Government, interalia, confers State Award for meritorious public service on Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon,IAS presently posted as the Principal Secretary to Government, J&K Higher Education Department on the Republic day, 2018 in recognition of his services! After a brief stint as a university professor and a scientist, he joined the IAS in 1993 and has served central and state Govts for more than two decades in various capacities- as municipal commisioner / development commissioner, twice as divisional commisioner of Kashmir/Ladakh, agriculture production commisioner and administrative secretary of various other departments in the state; he has tried to bring in innovation, convergence, community mobilisation, timely implementation of various vital mega prpjects across the state besides law and order and optimal utilisation of available natural resource including HR!
Govt. Order No.170-GAD OF 2018 Dated:25-01-2018

2ND RANK IN EDUCATION SECTOR IN INDIA

The Jammu and Kashmir state was ranked 2nd in Education sector in the ‘All India State’s ranking.’ The states were judged on various parameters including average student to class room ratio, transition rate from primary to upper primary, number of girls enrolled in primary, pupil teacher ratio, dropout rate, number of schools and colleges per lakh population. This annual exercise takes into account objective data sourced from government and other authentic sources to gauge the performance of Indian states across various parameters in key sectors.

Achieving significant milestones in implementation of various developmental initiatives, Jammu and Kashmir has marked positive performance in this comparative study and has received accolades and recognition in various fields including education, environment and cleanliness, inclusive development besides cutting into top 10 states in health, law & order, economy and infrastructure.

CM SCOOTY SCHEME (EMPOWERING YOUNG WOMEN OF J&K) IN LADAKH COLLEGES

Hon’ble Chief Minister of J&K, Ms. Mehbooba Mufti distributed Scooties among the meritorious students of Leh and Kargil district under CM Scooty Scheme. This woman-centric approach aimed at providing support to young women to pursue academics with ease by providing them an independent mode of transport for attending colleges. This spectacular developmental scheme envisioned an improved self-esteem and confidence of young girls by empowering them. Addressing the function, after distributing Scooties, she appealed student community to help her to bring all regions closer to each other by understanding each other’s customs, cultures, needs and problems in a better way.

The Chief Minister assured them that the steps for setting up a girls’ hostel in the college, college bus, indoor stadium at Leh and other sports facilities would be taken up. She assured the students that she will also take up the task to bridge the gap in the academic schedule of students from Ladakh and other parts of the State with the Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University. Minister for Cooperatives & Ladakh Affairs, Sh. T. Dorjey also addressed the gathering and thanked the Chief Minister for giving proper attention to Ladakh region in terms of progress and development. MLA, Kargil, Sh. Asgar Karbalai; CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Sh. Kachoo Ahmad Ali; Executive Councillors, LAHDC, Kargil; Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Gulzar Hussain and other officials, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh, Dr.Sonam Dawa, Executive Councillors, LAHDC, Leh; MP, Sh. Thupson Chewang; Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Avni Lavassa, officers of district administration and a large number of students were present on the occasion. Chairman, Legislative Council, Haji Anayat Ali also addressed the gathering and thanked the Chief Minister for exhibiting keen interest in the development of Kargil district. He sought for the early start of work on the Zojila tunnel.

MEETING OF CHIEF MINISTER WITH OFFICIALS OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR THE DEMANDS OF STUDENTS OF LADAKH

A meeting was called by the Hon’ble CM with the Higher Education Minister and officials to meet the long pending demands of the students of Ladakh Colleges. The University of Kashmir has decided to rationalize the academic schedule of the students of Ladakh region. Minister for Education, Jenab Syed Altaf Bukhari; Chief Secretary, Sh. B. B. Vyas; Principal Secretary, Higher Education, Dr. Asgar Samoon; Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rohit Kansal; Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof. Khursheed Iqbal Andrabi and other officers were also present in the meeting.

PROF. AMITABH MATTOO CHAIRS MEETING ON ‘KNOWLEDGE INITIATIVE’ IN SRINAGAR, KARGIL AND JAMMU

Advisor to Chief Minister, Professor Amitabh Mattoo, convened a meeting of the Working Group for operationalization of ‘Knowledge Initiative’ in the State to review the status of work being carried out by the Group in order to chalk out modalities for stepping up of the education sector in Kargil district. Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor, Kargil, Sh. Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan; Executive Councillor for Education, Advocate Muhammad Amir; Financial Commissioner (Coordination), Resident Commission J&K Government, New Delhi, Sh. K.B Aggarwal; Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Jenab Haji Gulzar Hussain; a delegation of prominent academicians and experts from Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi and Australia India Institute, Delhi ; heads of various social and religious organizations of Kargil, besides other concerned officers attended the meeting.

During the meeting at Srinagar, Kargil and Jammu, members of the working group interacted with the people from different walks of life and sought a range of proposals for formulation of short-term as well as long-term plans to be put forth before the Government for necessary consideration and policy formulation. The academicians, students and civil society members strongly pitched for the introduction of skill development and job-oriented courses based on the modern curriculum in the district.

Knowledge Initiative Group interacting at Jammu University

At Jammu University, the Knowledge Initiative Group Members, Vice- Chancellors of Jammu University and Cluster University along with the Registrar of Jammu University held interaction with the Heads of Institutions, teachers and the students of Schools and Colleges. The Advisor Prof. Amitabh Mattoo informed that, as a part of the mandate of the knowledge initiative, efforts are underway to develop human resources in the state, generate excellence in research and innovation in Higher Education besides the creation of world-class institutions and spaces for excellence. He stressed that focus shall be laid on all levels by adopting the best global practices and technologies thereby paving way for the formulation of a vision and blueprint to be implemented in the next 2 to 3 years time.

STATUS OF EDUSAT

The material for more 24 SITs received and delivered to 18 SITs. For all SITs earth to neutral voltage output issue was resolved at main hub. A team from ISRO visited Srinagar colleges from 11th to 13th Dec., 2017 to take stock of work progress at SITs.

RUSA –GOVT. COLLEGES OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

The government has approved two Govt. Engineering Colleges under RUSA at Kathua and Safapora with six engineering streams each with intake capacity of 360 students each for these colleges. The Engineering College at Safapora in district Ganderbal will offer Bachelor Degrees in Computer Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Bio-Medical Engineering and Food Engineering with intake capacity of 60 students for each course. The Engineering College established at Janglote in district Kathua shall offer Bachelor Degrees in Computer Sciences& Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering with intake capacity of 60 students for each course.

NEWS AT A GLANCE

• PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENT OF TWO GOVT. COLLEGES OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY UNDER RUSA AT SAFAPORA (GANDERBAL) AND JUNGLOT (KATHUA) WITH CREATION OF 136 POSTS WITH APPROVAL OF STATE CABINET.
• CREATION OF TWO POSTS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS FOR CLUSTER UNIVERSITIES AT JAMMU AND SRINAGAR.
• ESTABLISHMENT OF ARCHITECTURE SCHOOLS OFFERING FIVE YEARS DEGREE IN ARCHITECTURE AT GOVT. MAM COLLEGE AND GDC BEMINA WITH CREATION OF 20 POSTS.
• GOVERNING BODY OF ISLAMIA COLLEGE WITH HON’BLE CM AS CHAIRPERSON WAS RECONSTITUTED.
• CAPEX BUDGET 2017-18: SPENT RS 85.65 CRORES TILL DATE OUT OF APPROVED 146 CRORES FOR THE INFRASTRUCTURE IN GOVERNMENT DEGREE COLLEGES AND AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS.
• WINTER VACATIONS IN DEGREE COLLEGES OF KASHMIR DIVISION AND WINTER ZONE OF JAMMU DIVISION ANNOUNCED FROM 23RD DECEMBER, 2017 TO 10TH FEB. 2018 AND THAT OF SUMMER ZONE OF JAMMU DIVISION SHALL BE FROM 1ST JAN. 2018 TO 10TH JAN.2018.
• PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENT OF JKIMS AS AN INSTITUTE OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AT A.S. COLLEGE,SRINAGAR AND OUTCAMPUS AT MAM COLLEGE,JAMMU WITH CREATION OF 25 POSTS. MEETING OF MANAGING COMMITTEE OF J&K INSTITUTE OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES (JKIMS) WAS HELD ON 22ND NOV., 2017 TO DISCUSS ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES OF THE INSTITUTE.
• 61 PRINCIPALS OF THE DEGREE COLLEGES WERE APPOINTED/ CONFIRMED WITH EFFECT FROM 14th JUNE, 2016 AS PER ORDER NO. 684-HE-2017 DATED 12-12-2017.

EDUCATION MINISTER RELEASES MAIDEN JOURNAL OF HED 'JK KNOWLEDGE INITIATIVE'

Jenab Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Minister of Education released the maiden research journal of HED, “JK Knowledge Initiative”. The third issue of Higher Education’s newsletter was also released in the presence of Principal Secretary, Higher Education, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon; Director Colleges, Zahoor Ahmad Chatt and other concerned officials of Higher Education Department. Jenab Altaf Bukhari said that JK Knowledge Initiative’s journal is a great initiative to highlight research activities of the department and provide an opportunity to the faculty of Higher Education Department to publish their research papers. In the third issue of Higher Education’s newsletter 'EduPlus', the emphasis has been laid to highlight the various activities of the Department and an opportunity has been provided to faculty to express their views and concerns on various issues of academics and extracurricular activities and the faculty also provided a valuable update on development of infrastructure and allied matters through its medium.

PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, HED INSPECTS INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT WORKS IN SAMBA, KATHUA COLLEGES

To lay special focus on achieving equity, access and excellence in Higher Education Department, J&K through massive infrastructure upgrading and by introducing high employability ranking courses, Principal Secretary Higher Education Department, Dr. Asgar Samoon reviewed functioning of Hirangar, Samba and Kathua Degree Colleges. He inspected ongoing infrastructure development works taken up under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and other schemes in these institutions. Accompanied by a team of senior officers, he held marathon interactions with faculty and students of these colleges. He informed the students that government’s focus is on strengthening libraries, laboratories, promoting autonomous colleges and clubbing them to consolidate their strength and forming cluster universities. He said through RUSA greater emphasis has been placed on the improvement of the quality of teaching-learning processes in order to produce employable and competitive graduates, post-graduates, research scholars. The Principal Secretary also listened to the issues of workers engaged under local fund and assured to look into their demands.

32ND SHER-E-KASHMIR UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY OF KASHMIR ( SKUAST)-COUNCIL MEET

Chairing the 32nd meeting of the Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, at Raj Bhavan, the Governor Sh. N.N. Vohra accompanied by the Chancellor of the University released two research based publications. He emphasized the vital need for the state Government to establish a marketing strategy for all items produced in the State and also stressed upon the need for strengthening the fisheries, animal husbandry, poultry farming, silk-worm rearing, saffron and other sectors. Hon’ble Chief Minister of J&K, Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, Pro-Chancellor of the University, urged Minister of Horticulture to develop Cold storage units, Controlled atmosphere stores to enable fruit growers and farmers to get better returns on their produce. Sh. Lal Singh, Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment; Jenab Syed Basharat Ahmad Bukhari, Minister for Horticulture and Sh. Abdul Ghani Kohli, Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries participated in the meeting. Among those who attended the meeting were Prof. C.D. Mayee, President South Asia Biotechnology Centre, New Delhi; Mr. Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Mr. Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary Finance; Mr. Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary Planning; Dr. Pradeep Kumar Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu; Sh. Baseer Ahmad Khan, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Jenab Showket Ahmad Beigh, Secretary Agriculture; and Prof. M.H. Wani, Registrar, SKUAST- Kashmir.

SHER-E-KASHMIR UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY OF JAMMU -COUNCIL MEET

Governor Sh. N.N. Vohra, Chancellor of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu (SKUAST-J), chaired the 17th Council meeting of the University at the Raj Bhavan, in which Jenab Syed Basharat Ahmad Bukhari, Minister for Horticulture, and Jenab Abdul Ghani Kohli, Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries participated. The University Council decided to abolish interviews for recruitment of all class IV and equivalent positions in the SKUAST-J. The Council complimented, Vice-Chancellor and his colleagues for securing ICAR’s 15th Rank among 73 Central Universities, ICAR Institutes& Deemed Universities, 10th rank among 64 State Agricultural Universities and 31st rank for publications assigned by the Confederation of Indian Industries and Indian Citation Index (CII-ICI) Report 2016. The Chancellor released a publication brought out by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras of SKUAST-J. Hon’ble Chief Minister Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, Pro-Chancellor and Jenab Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari, Minister for Education of the State also participated in the meeting. The Chief Minister in her address stressed the need to put adequate systems in place to ensure declaration of results without any delay “as the delay costs the students dearly and affect their career prospects.”The Vice-Chancellor made a presentation regarding the initiatives and achievements of the University in the last 6 months, highlighting various administrative, academic, financial and examination related reforms.

78th KASHMIR UNIVERSITY COUNCIL MEET

Jenab Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Minister for Education for the State participated in the 78th meet of Kashmir University Council. The Chancellor of Kashmir University emphasized that the University must periodically review its academic and research programmes to assess their contemporary relevance and advised that the University must remain abreast with innovative Research methodologies by the means of developing productive collaborative linkages with top academic and research institutions in the country and the world. Both the Chancellor and the Education Minister stressed the need for critically reviewing the current relevance of the ongoing academic programmes vis-à-vis the demands of the emerging job markets. The Chancellor advised both the VCs to make the review process a continuous phenomenon so that the outdated courses can be suitably modified or developed and new courses can be introduced.

83rd JAMMU UNIVERSITY COUNCIL MEET

Chairing the 83rd meeting of the University Council at Raj Bhavan, Governor Sh. N.N. Vohra, the Chancellor of the University of Jammu said that the VCs of the Cluster Universities of Jammu and Kashmir should be invited to attend the University Council meetings of Jammu and Kashmir Universities, respectively. He emphasized the vital importance of maintaining continued focus on high teaching standards, quality research and strengthening linkages with identified institutions of excellence within the country and abroad. Hon’ble Chief Minister of J&K, Ms. Mehbooba Mufti Pro- Chancellor; Jenab Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Minister of Education and Prof. R. D. Sharma, Vice- Chancellor of Jammu University and other dignitaries also participated in the meeting.

PROACTIVE MEASURES TO MAXIMIZE INTAKE FOR NEXT SESSION

Minister for Education Jenab Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari directed for taking proactive measures including sustained campaigning at school level, advance counselling of aspirants with regard to options of courses and choice of colleges to maximize admissions under Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) for J&K students. Chairing a high-level meeting to discuss and review the issues related to the ambitious scheme, the Minister asked the implementing agency All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Education Department to start the exercise well in advance and take the hunt for aspirants from even the remotest schools of the state. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Higher Education, Dr. Asgar Samoon; Secretary Education Farooq Ahmed Shah, Chairman AICTE, Director School Education, Jammu, Ravindar Singh; Director School Education Kashmir, Officers of AICTE, Jammu, PMSS Nodal officers Kashmir and Jammu, besides other senior officers.

Stressing on the need to maximize the intake in the next session, Education Minister called for encouraging admissions in Humanities and Languages as well. Studying in top colleges of Delhi and other cities would help to provide potential students an opportunity to strive for civil services exams.

Regarding low percentage in the filling of Medical seats under the scheme due to high merit in newly introduced National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the Minister said that he would take up the matter with the Union Health Ministry to seek a solution to this problem. The issue was also discussed in the meeting, and as per suggestions from AICTE officials, it was decided to seek 2 supernumerary seats in each medical college to accommodate at least 100 students of the state. The meeting flagged various issues which need to be addressed for further streamlining of the implementation of scheme and prevent students from facing any hurdles.

FINANCE SECRETARY REVIEWS BUDGET PROPOSALS OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS

As a part of the department-wise pre-budget discussions, Principal Secretary Finance, Navin Kumar Choudhary discussed budget proposals of Education Sector with the concerned officers.

Principal Secretary Higher Education, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon; Commissioner Secretary, Power Development Department Hirdesh Kumar; Secretary Education, Sh. Farooq Ahmad Shah; Secretary Technical Education, Sh. Hilal Ahmad Parray; Director Youth Services & Sports, Sheikh Fayaz; Director Technical Education, Ms. Shabnam Kamili; Director Budget Sh. Imtiyaz Ahmad and other senior officers of the PDD, Education, Technical Education and Finance Departments were present in the meeting. Principal Secretary Finance completed department-wise budget discussions in the meeting held on November 7 to run up the formulation of the State Budget 2018-19.

MLA JENAB MOHAMMAD AKBAR LONE CHAIRS PAC MEET FOR FUNCTIONING OF HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

A meeting of Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was held under chairmanship of MLA, Jenab Mohammad Akbar Lone. The committee examined CAG’s audit report of Higher Education Department. A threadbare discussion on CAG’s Audit Paras regarding functioning of HED, monitoring of research programmes and financial management besides other activities of Higher Education Department was a vital aspect of the agendas discussed. The Committee directed for filling all the vacant posts of faculty members in Jammu University, Colleges and Higher Secondary Schools so that the functioning of these institutions will not suffer. The members also directed to explore the possibilities of offering a wide range of higher education courses in all district campuses.

Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon briefed the Committee about the action taken on CAGs audit Para pertaining to the department. He suggested for starting more skill courses in private B. Ed Colleges so that these institutes function properly. Dr. Samoon also explained at depths steps taken for up-grading the quality of education and research in HE Sector to impart result oriented education to students. The meeting was also attended by Registrar, Jammu University, Ms. Meenakshi Kilam; and other senior officers of HED and Assembly Secretariat.

The Principal Secretary to Govt., Higher Education Department, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon convened a meeting of Principals of various colleges of Jammu Division on 16th Nov 2017 at G.G.M. Science College, Jammu.

wherein the progress on various activities under RUSA (Rashtriya Uchstar Shiksha Abhiyan) were deliberated upon. Various issues pertaining to development of respective institutions were also a part of the agenda of the meeting.

• Mr. Mohd. Tufail, Assistant Prof. in Geography GDC Rajouri visited South Africa and Tokyo University, Japan from 26th Oct to 8th Nov.
• Dr. Anayetullah Wani, Assistant Professor in Arabic at Govt. Degree College Kilhotran (Doda) visited Istanbul - Republic of Turkey and presented his paper titled 'Al Aqsa and Palestine in Modern Literature' in arabic language in 4-Day International Conference organised by Turkish Arab Relationship Centre (TAIM) w.e.f 19th Oct 2017 to 22nd Oct 2017. The central theme of the said conference was: "International Coalition for Support of Al-Quds and Palestine". Around 600 participants coming from various countries participated in it. Dr. Anayetullah has been awarded with a certificate and a momento for attending the conference and presenting his research paper therein.
• Dr. Pragya Khanna, Associate Prof. in Zoology GCW Parade is visiting Bangkok, Thailand from 27th -28th Dec., 2017 for participation in the 29th International Conference at AIT Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand.
• Dr. Richa Gupta, Assistant Professor, Govt. M.A.M. College, Jammu has been conferred with the Young Scientist Award 2017 for her research excellence in the area of Health and Organizational Psychology. The award was presented to her at International Conference of Indian Academy of Health Psychology held at Lucknow from 12-14 November, 2017. Earlier this year, she also received travel grant from Association for Psychological Science, USA, to present her research work in International Convention of Psychological Science (ICPS-2017) held at Vienna, Austria. She also received Best Paper Award in International Conference of National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) held at IIT-Madras.
• Dr. Mateen Hafiz, Assistant Professor in Geology at the Govt. MAM College, Jammu presented his research work at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) - International Conference and Exhibition (ICE), which was organised at ExCeL Convention Center, London from 15-18 October 2017. The theme of the ICE-2017 was ‘100 Years of Science Fueling100 Years of Prosperity.’ He was also convener of a special panel session on “Shale Resources Exploration in India: Promises and Challenges inthe Next Decade”.

PROMOTION OF LANGUAGES

The loss of a language entails the loss of an identity, a culture, concepts and ideas. For the promotion of Languages and culture, Principal Secretary Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon chaired a workshop of Professors of Urdu, Persian and Arabic and Principals at MAM College, Jammu for initiating the research journals in languages and similar meeting was held at A.S. College, Srinagar. Thread bare discussion regarding the content, format and design of the journal was held in the meetings and 65 participants at Jammu and Srinagar submitted on-spot the list of their research papers.

Journal in Mathematics, Computer Sciences and Engineering

Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon discusses modalities with subject faculty members for publishing research Journal in Mathematics, Computer Sciences and Engineering

SPORTS ACTIVITIES AT ISLAMIA COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & COMMERCE, SRINAGAR:

Hon'ble Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon IAS is presenting trophies to the runner up & winning team at Islamia College of Science & Commerce.

WOMEN'S COLLEGE SRINAGAR (A.S.CAMPUS), GOGJI BAGH, Celebrated first annual day

Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon(IAS), Principal Secretary HED was the chief guest of the event. The Principle aim of organising this event was to bring out the hidden talent as well as the potential of the girls of the college.

TEACHERS’ SCIENCE CONGRESS AT JKIMS

Minister for Education, Jenab Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari inaugurated a three-day ‘J&K Teachers Science Congress’ at Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Mathematical Sciences (JKIMS) at Amar Singh College, Srinagar. The three-day programme, November 12th to 14th ,2017 was organized by JKIMS in collaboration with Directorate of School Education J&K. The programme was also supported by Department of Science and Technology. Principal Secretary Higher Education Department, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon was Guest of Homnour on the occasion. A Souvenir was also released on the occasion.

A National Conference on "Routing the Rootless: Exploring the Literatures of the Indigenous Cultures" was organized at Government Degree College, Udhampur on 1st &2nd December 2017.

More than 180 delegates from all over the country participated in the sessions being held at three different locations. The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government. In his opening address, he appreciated the efforts of the college administration for organising such a wonderful event and said that the conference shall come up with insightful suggestions that would go a long way in shaping the future strategies to be adopted for strengthening the social , economic and educational powers of the marginalised. Mrs. Priya Sethi, Minister for State for Education, was the Chief Guest of the Valedictory Function and Mr. Pawan Kumar Gupta was the Guest of Honour. Prof. Kamaldeep Kaur, Dr. Shubhra Jamwal and Dr. Rippy Bawa were the Organising Secretaries of the Conference.

GGM SCIENCE COLLEGE, JAMMU

A visit of Hon’ ble Minister for State for Higher Education Madam Priya Sethi Ji to the Heritage Gallery in Geology Department and Library Block of G.G.M. Science College, Jammu on 19th Nov 2017 brought the vintage essence of the institution to the focus. She emphasized on the paramount importance of the pristine legacy of the Library of the institution.

CLUSTER UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU: Mr. Zaheer Abbas Hashmi retired I/C Principal , GDC Bhaderwah has been appointed as the Controller of Examinations for a period of one year.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEET AT CENTRAL UNIVERSITY JAMMU

School of Education Central University Jammu conducted first advisory committee meet under PANDIT MADAN MOHAN MALVIYA MISSION ON TEACHERS AND TEACHING(PMMMNMTT) to seek reflection and opinion on the Action Plan devised.

V.C. CUJ Prof. Ashok Aima presenting Memento to Pr. Secty.HED Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon

NAAC PEER TEAM VISITS CUK

The six member team comprising Dr. B.P. Sanjay, former Vice-Chancellor , Central University of Tamil-Nadu,(Chair-person) Dr. Shorosimohan Dan Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Burdwan, Prof. Sanjeev Sonvane, Dr, Ambedkar Bhawan Savitribai Phule Pune University, Prof. S. C. Bagri, Himgiri Zee University, Prof Ramballav Roy, Goa University, Prof. R.G.B. Bhagavat Kumar visited Nowgam Campuses, Sonawar Science block, Ganderbal old campus, and upcoming permanent campus of the Central University, Kashmir.

JU HOLDS 112TH SYNDICATE MEETING

The University of Jammu held its 112th Syndicate meeting under the Chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor, Prof. R.D. Sharma. Registrarof the University, Dr. Meenakshi Kilam, presented 42 items in the meeting, including Re-evaluation in P.G. Diploma Courses, Guidelines for Admission to the Students, Rules for the use of Dhanvantri Library, Introduction of B.E in the UIET, B.Sc. Nursing & B. Architecture, Relaxation of JUET score in favour of specially-abled candidates, Adoption of SRO 217 and expansion in the constitution of Planning Board. The action taken on previous items was also confirmed. The Syndicate meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to Govt., Finance Department, Navin K. Choudhary, Financial Advisor (Universities), J&K Government Prof Darshana Kumari, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Jammu,Prof. D. S. Jamwal, Dean Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, University of Jammu,Prof. Azra Nahaid Kamili, Dean Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir,Prof. Arif Wani, Dean Faculty of Engineering, University of Kashmir, and other dignitaries.

FIRST ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL IN KASHMIR WAS INAUGURATED AT ABDUL AHAD AZAD MEMORIAL DEGREE COLLEGE, BEMINA - 22/09/2017

Meet of Hon’ble Education Minister with Principal Secretary HED, Finance & Planning to approve Establishment of GDC Drass,Ladakh.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS - 2017

Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon Visits Degree Colleges At Ladakh-18th -23rd Aug., 2017.

• On 18th Aug. 2017, Principal Secretary, HED visited the proposed site for the construction of GDC Drass and approved the construction of the boundary pegs around 1209 Kanals of land for GDC Drass.
• On 19th Aug.,2017 Principal Secretary, HED visited GDC Kargil and received Hon’ble CM , Hon’ble Education Minister and other dignitories and HCM laid foundation stone of Girls’ hostel and Lecture block in the college
• On 20th Aug.,2017 Principal Secretary, HED visited Govt High school, Darkoon and the staff and students there put forth various demands for the upgradation of the school.
• On 21st Aug., 2017 Principal Secretary, HED visited GDC Leh and had detailed interaction with the staff and students of the college and had detailed interaction with rhe students and staff. It was decided to start NCC activities in the college.
• On 22nd Aug., 2017 Principal Secretary, HED visited HSS Turtuk, HSS, Buygdang and delegation there demanded new colleges. Later on, he visited temporary campus of GDC Nobra.

PROMOTION OF ALL REGIONAL LANGUAGES IN J & K

The Minister for Education, Jenab Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari chaired a meet to promote all regional languages in Jammu and Kashmir. Minister of State for Education, Mrs. Priya Sethi was also present on the occasion. The meeting was also attended by Principal Secretary Higher Education, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon and officers from different Universities of Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, Bukhari sought details of faculty strength for the language courses being taught in various universities across the J&K. He directed the Principals of the various Colleges that they should make efforts to promote the regional languages in their respective colleges.

The meeting also discussed various issues regarding the better functioning of educational institutions for further improving the academic scenario in the State.

Promotion of Commissioner / Secretary, Higher Education Dr.Asgar Hassan Samoon, IAS to Principal Secretary to Government, Higher Education on 28th July, 2017.

KNOWLEDGE INITIATIVE WORKING GROUP HOLDS SEVERAL MEETS

Knowledge Initiative Group discussing various proposals on educational scenario in J&K

Advisor to Chief Minister, Prof Amitabh Mattoo, chaired a meeting to review the status of work being carried out by Working Group constituted to chalk out modalities for operationalization of Knowledge Initiative in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was co-chaired by Minister for Education, Jenab Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari. The meeting was attended by all the members of the group, Financial Commissioner (Coordination)/ Resident Commission J&K Government, New Delhi Sh. K.B Aggarwal; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Rohit Kansal; Principal Secretary, Higher Education, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon ( Member Secretary of the group) , Registrar Jammu University and other concerned officers.

On the occasion, the title for the vision document on which this group is currently working was finalized. The report was titled as “Education, Engagement and Employability: Empowering J&K’s youth in a global knowledge society.” The Working Group would also prepare a blueprint for Information Communication Technology initiative that can harness the human resources talent in the State besides preparing a plan and guideline for the creation of knowledge cluster that can become a hub of state of the art technology, research and innovation through the participation of major stakeholders.

HED is preparing a 30 minutes documentary film on functioning of HED in the state in collaboration with DDK and approved film makers of the State within next two months for screening as a part of Knowledge Initiative

With an aim to revamp education scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, the State Government has constituted a knowledge initiative group of experts to prepare a vision document for interventions in skills, teaching, learning, research and innovation that will be drawn from global best practices and traditional norms.

The group is supposed to prepare policies, guidelines and schemes to ensure full literacy and competitive employability through an optimal use of existing infrastructure and human resources available in the State. The chapters shall include: Early Childhood Teaching and Learning, Teaching of Science and Mathematics, Introducing critical analytical thinking and problem solving in Schools, Skills and Vocational Education, Teaching of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Sports, Theatre and Fine Arts, STEM Disciplines (Science, Technical and Medical Education), Role of online learning and ICT in developing Human Resources in the state, Generating excellence in Research and Innovation in Higher Education and Creating world class institutions and spaces for excellence.

In September meet, Advisor to Chief Minister, Prof Amitabh Mattoo, chaired a meet of all members of the group. The meeting was also attended by Australian delegation of academicians which includes Education Counselor in Australian High Commission at Delhi, Dr Amanda Day; Chairman Australia India Institute, Australia, Mr Robert Johanson; Deputy Director Australia India Institute Delhi, Mr Vinod Mirchandani; Chief Finance Officer, Melbourne University, Australia, Mr Allan Tait and Director, Goodwill Exchange, Gauri Arora.

In continuation with the previous meets, the Advisor to Chief Minister, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo today interacted with Secretary, Art & Cultural Academy, Director Handicrafts, Srinagar, Director Technical Education, Srinagar and Principal of Degree Colleges from Kashmir and Jammu Division at SKICC. During the meeting, Prof. Mattoo stressed upon the stakeholders, principals of colleges and schools to impart skills, teaching, learning research and innovation that will be drawn from global best practices and traditional norms, preparing policies, guidelines and schemes to ensure full literacy and competitive employability through an optimal use of existing infrastructure and human resources available in the State.

J&K Knowledge Initiative Group has invited suggestions, ideas and recommendations from stakeholders including students, teachers, thinkers and civil society members to take forward the maiden initiative in the State. The suggestions can be mailed at the knowledgeinitiative.jk@gmail.com by 16 October 2017.

Knowledge initiative group with Australian group of academicians

SECOND ROUND OF COUNSELING UNDER PMSSS

Principal Secretary to Govt., Higher Education Department , Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon inspecting the large scale counseling

Under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) for J&K students, 2628 seats out of 3430 seats were filled after the first round of counseling which was held from 30th June to 6th July 2017 . Most of the students from J&K secured admission in some of the reputed colleges across the country under PMSSS. These include Delhi College of Engineering, Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology, St Stephens College Delhi, University Institute of Engineering and Technology Rohtak, Lady Shri Ram College for Women New Delhi, Birla Institute of Technology Jharkhand, Rajiv Gandhi Government Engineering College Himachal Pradesh (HP), Netaji Subash Institute of Technology, Delhi and DAV College Haryana.

The second round of counseling under PMSSS for filling up 802 vacant seats under Reserved Categories in engineering, medical and general courses was held at the designated Counseling Centers Amar Singh College, Srinagar, Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu and Government Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh from 17th July to 19th July, 2017.

The counseling of students seeking admission in engineering colleges under lateral entry was held on 19th July, 2017.

Education Minister Jenab Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari reviewing the functioning of Cluster University Srinagar (CUS) and Cluster University Jammu (CUJ)

CREATION OF 8 NEW POSTS FOR CLUSTER UNIVERSITIES

The State Cabinet under the chairpersonship of Hon’ble Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti, approved creation of eight posts in various categories for the Cluster Universities of Jammu and Srinagar.

The newly created posts include two posts of Controller Examinations (one post for each Cluster University) in the pay scale of 37400-67000+GP 10000, two posts of Assistant Controller Examinations in the pay scale of 9300-34800+GP 5400, two posts of Librarians in the pay scale of 15600-39100+ GP 6000 and two posts of PRO in the pay scale of 15600-39100+GP 6000.

The Government had earlier in 2015 ordered creation of 124 posts for these universities.

STATUTES OF CLUSTER UNIVERSITIES FINALIZED

CLUSTER UNIVERSITY SRINAGAR STARTS PROCESS OF HIRING TEACHING FACULTY

Cluster University Srinagar has started the process of hiring teaching faculty for various subjects. The teachers were initially hired on contractual basis and subsequently the process for engaging teachers and other staff on permanent basis will be initiated. Application for engaging teachers in Physics, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Geography, Information Technology, Computer Applications and Environmental Science were received up to the July 10, 2017 in the university office (SP College Srinagar).

The university has started eight Integrated 05 Year programmes and 10 PG Programmes from the academic session 2017. The University Grants Commission has recognized the Cluster University Srinagar under the Section 2f of the UGC Act and authorized the university to award degrees in Under Graduate, Post Graduate and Research Programmes.

TUTION FEES REDUCED IN NEW GOVERNMENT NURSING COLLEGES AND ARCHITECTURE SCHOOLS OF HED

Jammu and Kashmir Government announced a 50 per cent fee cut for students in nursing and architecture courses in capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu. The existing annual fee for nursing course was cut down from Rs 65,000 to Rs 32,500 for general category students and made it Rs 15,000 for those from Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. The existing annual fee for architecture course was cut down 50 percent from Rs 1, 00, 000 to Rs 50,000 for general category students and Rs 25,000 for BPL students.

It was decided that the logos for both the universities will be developed by National Institute of Design at the cost of Rs Six lakh each. Strengthening of existing faculty and need for additional faculty for these universities was also discussed.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Higher Education, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon; Law Secretary, Sh. Abdul Majid Bhat; VC CUS, VC CUJ, Director Colleges, Director RUSA, Registrar CUS, Registrar CUJ, Principals of constituent colleges, and other concerned officers from Higher Education and Finance Departments.

FOURTH MEET OF SHEC HELD - 12TH JULY, 2017

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir chairing meet of SHEC

Fourth meeting of the State Higher Education Council (SHEC) was held under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Ms. Mehbooba Mufti. Minister for Education, J & K Government Jenab Syed Altaf Bukhari and Minister of State for Education Smt. Priya Sethi were present in the meeting.

Chief Minister suggested to strengthen Students Welfare Centres at the universities and making students real stakeholders in the affairs of the universities and also highlighted that the setting up of Incubation Centres at the universities will help the students to get trained to pursue their careers in a proper manner. It was decided to introduce Career Counseling and Personality Development among students from the high school level so that the students are properly groomed at the time of career selection. The CM also approved in principle the setting up of a Horticulture University at Wadura by the Higher Education Department and a Law University in the state. The Council also gave nod to the setting up of two Administrative Staff Colleges at Jammu and Srinagar.

Creation of faculty/ supporting staff for Nursing Colleges and schools of Architecture /establishment of Nursing Colleges in other districts

HED has established two B.Sc. Nursing Colleges at Women College MA Road Srinagar and Women College Gandhinagar Jammu with intake capacity of 60 students and two Schools of Architecture at MAM College Jammu and GDC, Bemina with intake capacity of 40 students

Government to approve creation of about 140 new posts of Principal, Professors, Associate and Assistant Professorss for Architecture Schools, RUSA Engineering Colleges at Kathua and Safapora as creation has already approved by finance department.

REGARDING INFRASTRUCTURE:

RESTORATION OF FLOOD AFFECTED SEVEN DEGREE COLLEGES:

ADDITIONAL GIRLS’ HOSTELS UNDER PMDP:

HOSTEL FOR J & K STUDENTS IN DELHI:

EDUCATION MINISTER VISITS KHANSAHAB, BUDGAM

Minister for Education, Jenab Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari undertook an extensive tour of Khansahab area of district Budgam to review educational scenario in the constituency on 19th July, 2017. He was accompanied by Minister of State for Education, Smt. Priya Sethi; MLA Khansahib Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen; MLC Saif-ud-Din Bhat; Principal Secretary, Higher Education Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon; Secretary School Education Farooq Ahmed Shah; Director School Education, Kashmir, DR G N Itoo, Director SSA, Director RMSA and Director Colleges and other concerned officials of the education and other departments.

On his visit to Government Degree College, Khansahib, Education Minister said that the college will be developed as a model college. He announced a smart classroom for the college and assured full support for the development of the college. The Minister also gave approval for the equipments which are needed for the high tech laboratories in the college.

Smt. Priya Sethi, MoS Education Department also promised the students that she will take up with the Horticulture Minister for the Herbal Garden in the vicinity of the college.

RUSA:

INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS TO TWO STATE UNIVERSITIES UNDER RUSA:

PROFESSIONAL COLLEGES UNDER RUSA:

ADDITIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE :

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, (IIT) Jammu :

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM), JAMMU:

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MASS COMMUNICATION(IIMC), JAMMU:

Vocationalization:

Overwhelming response of students for prime minister’s special scholarship scheme (PMSSS)

Since, around 25000 students registered for the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme for the academic session 2017-18, therefore, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) decided to extend the last date for online registration for this session. Also 500 plus diploma students have registered for lateral entry on AICTE portal. This year technical seats have been enhanced to 2800 from 500.

Principal Secretary Higher Education Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon reviewed the status of online registration for PMSSS and worked out the modalities for counseling of students. Advisor AICTE,New Delhi Sh. Dileep S. Malkhade, Secretary School Education Sh. Farooq A. Shah, Director Colleges J & K, Director School Education, Kashmir, Director School Education, Jammu, representatives of Directorate of Technical Education, J & K Board of School Education, J & K Board of Technical Education and other concerned departments were present at the meeting. Under PMSSS scholarship, upto Rs. 30000 per annum per student is available for general courses, upto Rs. 1.25 lakh per annum per student is available for engineering courses,and upto Rs. 3 lakhs per annum per student is available for medical/ dental courses. Besides every student is entitled upto Rs. 1 lakh per annum as maintenance charges.

Governor meets with Hon’ble Minister for Education Jenab Altaf Bukhari, Vice Chancellors of Kashmir based Universities and Higher Education Department administrators at Raj Bhavan- May 12th, 2017.

The Governor reiterated his concern that the educational interests of the entire student community must be vigorously promoted and safeguarded and, under no circumstances, should the future careers of the student community be allowed to get exploited or jeopardized in any manner.

1. Govt. Degree Colleges (Boys), Anantnag
2. Govt. College for Women, Parade, Jammu
3. Islamia College, Srinagar
4. Govt. Degree College, Baramulla
5. Govt. Degree College, Rajouri