122nd Syndicate Meeting of JU held

Syndicate endorses establishment of Centre for Culture, Dialects, Emotional Intelligence and Regional Studies of J&K, Ph.D in Engineering, Philosophy and Mass Communication and Journalism

Jammu, September 22: University of Jammu convened its 122nd meeting of the Syndicate today under the chairmanship of Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu. The meeting deliberated upon important academic, administrative, and developmental matters shaping the University’s future growth.

At the outset, the Vice Chancellor welcomed Shri Shantmanu, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Higher Education Department, J&K; Sh. Santosh D. Vaidya, IAS, Principal Secretary, Finance Department and Financial Advisor (Universities); Prof. Chandra Bhushan Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand; Prof. J.P. Pandey, Vice Chancellor, APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow (online); Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Sciences, University of Jammu; Prof. Satinder Kumar, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jammu; Prof. Aneesa Shafi, Dean, School of Social Sciences, University of Kashmir; Prof. Zulfiqar Bhat, Dean, School of Applied Science & Technology, University of Kashmir; Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal, GMC Srinagar; Prof. Parvez Ahmad, Head, Department of Geography & Disaster Management, University of Kashmir; Prof. Rajeev Rattan, Department of Education, University of Jammu; Dr. Javid Iqbal Zarger, Principal, Government Degree College Doda; Dr. Jasbir Singh, Principal, Government Degree College Poonch; Prof. J.P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu; and Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, who were the special invitees.

While welcoming the members and dignitaries, the Vice Chancellor underscored the importance of their continued guidance in strengthening the University’s academic and institutional framework. Prof. Rai apprised the house of the various initiatives taken by the University, along with the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which has paved the way for interdisciplinary learning, skill development, and holistic student growth. He further updated the members on the progress of flagship initiatives such as the Design Your Degree (DYD) Programme, skill-building workshops, and outreach activities that connect the University more closely with society.

The Registrar, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, presented 119 agenda items pertaining to academic and administrative matters, besides reporting items, for the consideration of the House. After detailed deliberations, the Syndicate endorsed and approved several important decisions relating to academic programmes, faculty positions, student welfare, and infrastructure development.

A key highlights of today's meeting of the Syndicate were endorsement regarding establishment of the Centre for Culture, Dialects, Emotional Intelligence and Regional Studies of Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre will serve as a hub for advancing interdisciplinary research, preserving regional dialects, promoting emotional intelligence, and showcasing the cultural heritage of the Union Territory.

Guidelines for the “Earn While Learn Scheme” for the benefit of all University students, aimed at supporting them financially while providing practical exposure and skill development was also endorsed by the Syndicate.

The commencement of a two-year M.A. (History) programme in the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) from the academic session 2026–27 was also endorsed. In addition, the Syndicate endorsed the introduction of the Ph.D. programme in Philosophy and Mass communication and Journalism, further expanding the University’s research landscape.

Further, the introduction of the Ph.D. Programme in Engineering at GCET, MIET (Autonomous College/Institute), and UIET, thereby opening new avenues for advanced research in engineering disciplines, was also endorsed.

The formation of an IT Club under the Centre for IT Enabled Services and Management (CITED&M) to nurture digital skills, innovation, and technological engagement among students was also endorsed.

The Syndicate also confirmed the minutes of the 121st meeting of the University Syndicate held on 29.01.2024 and 04.04.2024.

Earlier in the day, a meeting of the Finance Committee was also held, where key financial matters and budgetary allocations were thoroughly discussed and recommendations of the same were also endorsed.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chair, with members emphasizing their commitment to guiding the University of Jammu towards greater excellence in teaching, and research.