Governor Chairs First Meeting Of Srinagar Cluster University Council

Governor Satya Pal Malik, Chancellor of the Cluster University of Srinagar, today chaired the first meeting of the University Council here at the Raj Bhavan. Advisor to Governor, Khurshid A. Ganai who is also Pro-Chancellor was also present in the meeting. In his opening remarks, the Governor said that education is high on the Agenda of the Government and all-out efforts shall be made to further improve this core sector. He called for improving the overall educational scenario in Jammu and Kashmir for which the Cluster Universities can play a pivotal role. He stressed for introducing new, innovative and job oriented courses with special emphasis on skill development in the Cluster Universities. The Government will provide all necessary assistance to strengthen these two universities, the Governor said. The Governor lauded the role of women educators and girl students stated that women are playing multiple roles in society and excelling in all vital sectors, equally contributing to the development of the nation at par with their male counterparts. “We are proud on the contribution of the women in the society and acknowledge it with great honor and dignity,” said the Governor. While reviewing the activities of the Cluster University, Srinagar the Chancellor and Advisor called for the creation of the University’s own campus with the establishment of schools of excellence. At the outset, the Chancellor stressed that the Cluster Universities have been created with the vision of having a cluster of vibrant institutions that disseminate and advance knowledge by providing instructional and research facilities. These act as a change agent by having a special focus on skill development and creation of a highly-skilled workforce by undertaking industry-oriented teaching, training, research, extension programs and providing employable skills. Governor emphasized establishing linkages with industry for the promotion of science, technology, entrepreneurial skills, innovations, etc. To make the working of both the Cluster Universities more vibrant and productive the Council directed that a Committee may be constituted comprising Financial Commissioner Finance (Financial Advisor Universities), Financial Commissioner to Governor, Secretary Higher Education, and Vice Chancellors of both the Cluster Universities. The Members suggested various measures that can allow both the Cluster Universities to emerge as global hubs of education. They highlighted that Cluster University is a new concept in Jammu and Kashmir and it needs to be empowered so that it becomes a choice of students over other Universities in Jammu and Kashmir.