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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at JAMMU: Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai called upon all stakeholders of the University to collectively work towards strengthening academic excellence, innovation, research and student development while preparing the University for future opportunities and challenges. He stated that the University is steadily moving towards creating a future-ready academic ecosystem that promotes interdisciplinary learning, research excellence and student empowerment in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
At the outset, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai welcomed the newly inducted members of the Council.Emphasizing the need for higher education institutions to move beyond conventional teaching methods and equip students with future-oriented competencies, Prof. Rai highlighted the importance of flexible and activity-based learning and stressed the need to provide students with exposure to emerging areas including Artificial Intelligence, coding, communication skills, critical thinking, creativity and data literacy.
Prof. Rai also highlighted several significant achievements and developments of the University and appreciated the outstanding performance of students and faculty members at national platforms. Referring to various hackathons, innovation challenges and entrepreneurship initiatives, he noted that students of the University have continued to bring laurels to the institution through notable performances in startup competitions, innovation programmes and technology-based platforms. He also highlighted ongoing efforts related to faculty strengthening, infrastructure development, global collaborations, research initiatives and the introduction of Professors of Practice for creating greater industry-academia engagement.
The Vice Chancellor also shared details regarding several new academic initiatives proposed from the academic session 2026, including integrated programmes, Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), Integrated Master of Library and Information Science Programme and Ph.D. programmes in Journalism and Media Studies, Philosophy and Engineering and Technology.
Registrar, Dr. Neeraj Sharma presented various agenda items before the Academic Council which were deliberated upon in detail by the members.Among the major decisions taken during the meeting, the Council approved the creation of a Faculty of Trans-disciplinary Studies (FTS) in the University. Initially, the Faculty will comprise two units namely the School of Trans-disciplinary Studies (STS) and the Skill Incubation Innovation Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC) with an objective to promote interdisciplinary learning, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Council also endorsed the adoption of the Statutes and Scheme of the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) in the Department of Education from the Academic Session 2026-27 as per the norms and framework prescribed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).Further, the Council approved revised Statutes for the Two-Year B.Ed. Programme from the Academic Session 2026-27 in accordance with NCTE guidelines and recommendations of the Board of Studies in Teacher Education.
The Academic Council also endorsed the matter regarding the introduction of Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes in Political Science and Sociology, along with One/Two-Year Postgraduate Programmes in Political Science and Sociology for Poonch Campus of the University, to broaden academic opportunities and strengthen disciplinary studies in the social sciences.
The Council further observed that as Programme in Sericulture is already being offered at the Poonch Campus, possibilities should be explored for creating the required infrastructure and resources to introduce more self supporting courses in Science and Technology, with a view to expand academic offerings and addressing the emerging educational requirements.
The Council also approved adoption of UGC Guidelines, 2023 relating to Internship and Research Internship for undergraduate students in the University with an objective to strengthen practical learning and research exposure among students. The meeting further endorsed revised Statutes governing the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme under “Design Your Degree” from the Academic Session 2026-27 onwards on the recommendations of the concerned Board of Studies.
The Academic Council also deliberated upon strengthening the Placement Cell of the University and resolved that the departments would continue contributing towards improving it's functioning. The Academic Council further stressed the need for creation of a dedicated Corpus Fund for long-term sustainability of the placement-related initiatives by the University.
Prof J P Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies and Prof Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning and Development also shared their significant inputs. The meeting was attended by all the Academic council members, Deans of various Faculties, Rectors, Directors, Heads of various Departments and other Senior Officers from the University.
