J&K Students Association expresses gratitude to PM, Education Minister for approving Library Science Department at Jamia Millia Islamia

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday extended its gratitude to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and the Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, for approving the establishment of a full-fledged Department of Library and Information Science at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), a long-awaited academic development nearly four decades in the making.In an official statement issued today, Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Association, termed the move a “historic academic milestone” and a “visionary decision” that will significantly enrich the academic and professional landscape of the country, particularly in the increasingly vital domain of library and information sciences.

“For nearly 40 years, JMI has been offering a Bachelor’s course in Library and Information Science (B.Lib.I.Sc.) without a dedicated department or permanent faculty. This approval by the Ministry of Education, along with the sanctioning of six permanent teaching positions, represents a major academic uplift and structural reform,” Khuehami said.The Association commended Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor of JMI, and Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, for their persistent efforts and unwavering commitment towards strengthening the academic infrastructure of the university.

Their leadership and consistent engagement with the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) were instrumental in securing this long-overdue approval.“This is not merely the creation of a new department, it is an investment in knowledge systems, information literacy, and academic modernization,” Khuehami added. “In today’s data-driven, knowledge-intensive society, the role of information professionals, digital archivists, and librarians is more crucial than ever. This department will offer cutting-edge training in knowledge management, digital cataloguing, metadata creation, research indexing, and archival science, preparing graduates for careers across both public and private sectors, including academic libraries, national archives, digital repositories, and research institutions.

”He further emphasized that the establishment of this department will open new avenues for research in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), the preservation of rare manuscripts, the digitization of archival material, and the development of multilingual information retrieval systems—areas that are central to India’s cultural and academic resurgence.The Association noted that Jamia Millia Islamia, established in 1920, has historically served as a hub of academic innovation and social reform. Its Central Library, also founded in 1920, remains one of the most resource-rich academic libraries in the country.

However, the absence of a structured academic department in Library and Information Science had long limited the university’s potential in this field.“This landmark step will not only elevate the academic profile of JMI but will also benefit students from diverse backgrounds, including those from Jammu and Kashmir, who aspire to specialize in Library and Information Science and contribute meaningfully to the broader knowledge economy,” Khuehami stated.

The Association also highlighted that the move aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes multidisciplinary education, digital literacy, and research-driven learning. By establishing this department, Jamia Millia Islamia is taking a significant step toward achieving these goals and fostering an inclusive academic environment that is rooted in tradition yet responsive to technological advancement.The Association lauded the Prime Minister, the Education Minister, the Ministry of Finance, and the University Grants Commission (UGC) for their collective commitment to advancing higher education in India.

It affirmed that this development will have far-reaching impact, empowering young scholars and ensuring that institutions like JMI continue to lead the way in educational excellence and innovation. This department is not only an institutional milestone but also a national step forward in preserving our intellectual heritage and preparing future-ready information professionals in the digital age.