Central University of Kashmir’s earn while learn scheme designed to empower students: Prof. A Ravinder Nath

• Chairs orientation prog for students, distributes offer letters  

GANDERBAL: Describing the Earn While Learn Scheme launched by the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) as a learner-centric initiative designed to empower students by enabling them to contribute to the university activities while earning financial assistance, the varsity’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath Wednesday encouraged students to actively engage with the opportunities provided under the scheme and to contribute meaningfully towards the academic and administrative functioning of the university.

“Education is not merely confined to classroom instruction, but extends to shaping responsible, ethical, and socially aware individuals. The scheme offers students a platform to develop skills, including communication, analytical thinking, and social responsibility and preparing them to face real-world challenges with confidence and competence,” Prof. A Ravinder Nath said, during the orientation programme for the students selected under the scheme. During the programme organised by the Dean Students Welfare, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, flanked by Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool and Dean DSW, Dr. Jehirul Islam, distributed offer letters among the 84 selected students. Deans of Schools, Heads and Coordinators of Departments, Academic Administrators, faculty members and senior functionaries of the university were present.  

Vice-Chancellor emphasized that education must inculcate among the students a sense of responsibility towards society and the environment. He urged students to actively participate in outreach and mission-oriented activities, including those related to sustainability, cleanliness, and community welfare. “Such engagements not only contribute to societal development but also help students develop empathy, leadership qualities, and a sense of civic duty,” he added. Prof. A Ravinder Nath also emphasized the importance of trust, integrity, and commitment, particularly as the first batch of the scheme, who will set benchmarks for future participants.

Addressing the gathering, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, described the Earn While Learn Scheme as a timely intervention that reflects the core objectives of NEP 2020, particularly in terms of accessibility, affordability, and holistic development. He emphasized that the scheme is not merely a financial support mechanism but a comprehensive educational initiative that integrates academic learning with practical exposure.

He further elaborated on the dual roles envisioned under the scheme, wherein students would serve as academic interns and outreach interns. “As academic interns, students will assist faculty in research activities, content development, laboratory work, and other academic support functions. As outreach interns, they will participate in community-oriented initiatives, contributing to awareness programmes, sustainability efforts, and social engagement activities,” he added. He encouraged students to make the most of this opportunity to acquire hands-on experience, develop teamwork and problem-solving skills, and build professional networks.

In his address, Dean DSW, Dr. Jehirul Islam, described the response from students across various departments, to the scheme, as overwhelming. He informed the gathering that a total of 243 applications were received, out of which 83 students were selected under the scheme based on defined criteria. He reiterated that the scheme aims to provide students with an opportunity to support their education financially while simultaneously gaining experiential learning. He highlighted that the initiative is designed to foster self-reliance, responsibility, and dignity of labour among students.

Youth Welfare Officer, Dr. Adil Amin Nazki conducted the programme proceedings and Nodal Welfare Officer, Earn While Learn scheme, Dr. Ramjit proposed the vote of thanks.