Prof Dhar Chairs Academic Council Meet at JU: Urges for early implementation of National Education Policy 2020

While chairing the day long Academic Council meeting of the University of Jammu, on 26th February, Prof. Manoj Dhar sought the support of all stakeholders in the march towards excellence in teaching-learning, research and entrepreneurship and skill development. He expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Chancellor and Advisor (B) for time to time guidance in matters pertaining to the University.In his opening remarks, Prof.Dhar exhorted that the Academic Council holds a significant position,being the highest academic body of the University. He said, University is known for its academic, research and other extra-curricular activities. He informed that the University is holding this academic meet,offline,after the outbreak of COVID-19 by following all the SOPs and the protocols. He informed the house that once again the University is holding this important meeting in a paperless mode. He complimented the entire University fraternity that despite many challenges confronted due to Covid-19, the academic session of final semester students was not allowed to get disturbed. Like the previous years (before Covid19 situation), this year final semester students shall pass out in July August. Similarly, about 150 research scholars were awarded PhD degrees, after holding their viva voce during the pandemic. This all became possible due to meticulous planning and execution of the action plans with the help of various stakeholders of the University, the Vice Chancellor said. As of now, the University is conducting about 4000 examinations annually and sincere efforts were made by the University teachers, officers and staff to ensure timely conduct and declaration of results even during the outbreak of pandemic. Also, in order to ensure that research and innovation activities donot suffer, marathon online meetings, webinars, special lectures, online access to e-resources, were organized.It is a matter of satisfaction that the academics of the University has not suffered, and for that teaching and the non-teaching staff deserves all the applause.   The Vice-Chancellor also appreciated the COVID warriors like the Doctors, the paramedical staff, the sanitation team and the security personnel for their contribution during the pandemic situation. Prof Dhar urged upon that the guidelines/norms regarding COVID-19 issued by the Govt. of UT, J&K from time to time be followed strictly for the safety and health of the entire University fraternity.

The Academic Council took various path-breaking decisions which will go in a long way to bring in excellence in the academic and research ecosystem of the University and help the University to propel into an era of further excellence. Prof Naresh Padha, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu spoke in detail about various academic and innovative initiatives taken by the University under the leadership of the present Vice Chancellor.

Around 60 agenda items were presented by Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Registrar, University of Jammu.  All the items were discussed in great detail along with the action taken report on the resolutions of the last Academic Council. 

The Academic Council agreed in principle to adopt  the UGC guidelines for introducing an Apprenticeship/lnternship embedded Degree Programme in the affiliated Colleges of the University of Jammu. This course will go a long way in exposing the students to work environment and increase the prospects of their employability.The Academic Council also gave go ahead to initiation of two Skill development courses namelySolar and LED technology, and in Bakery and Confectionary at Udhampur Campus of the University of Jammu.While discussing several issues related to implementation of National Education Policy 2020, the Council endorsed the proposal of the Higher Education Department Govt. of J & K to introduce Certificate courses in Skill Development, wherever, University of Jammu has been identified as Mentor. In order to streamline the admission to Ph.D programme and to address the grievances of the Research Scholars, the Council endorsed the action taken by the Vice-Chancellor regarding the constitution of Centralized Research Admission Committee (CRAC), Research Appellate Committee (RAC) and Research Grievance Committee (RGC) for the first time in the University. In order to give fillip to the University-Industry partnership, for the first time, a policy document prepared by the Industry Academia Partnership Centre for governing Industrial Partnership in the University of Jammu was endorsed. It was resolved that the reservation be provided to candidates with benchmark disabilities for admission to the University as per the Gazette Notification of the Rights of persons with disabilities Act, Govt of India. In a significant move, the Council decided to implement adoption of course(s) from SWAYAM/MOOCs by all UG and PG students upto a maximum of 10% from the next session, 2020-21. In this regard a booklet which can serve an important document for guiding the College and University faculty for effective implementation of this scheme was also approved. The Academic Council also approved the introduction of several Paramedical Courses, such as B. Sc. in Medical Lab. Technology, Operation Theatre Technology, Renal Dialysis Technology, Cardiac Care Technology, etc. in Govt. Medical College, Jammu.

Besides, various other important academic issues of the University, adoption og Statutes, Syllabi prepared after Curriculum Re-engineering under RUSA 2.0 were also endorsed. The meeting was attended by Prof RajniKant, Director, CDC, Prof Jasbir Singh, Controller of Examinations, Prof R. K.Ganjoo, Dean Planning and Development, Deans of various Faculties, Rectors/Directors of the Offsite campuses, Heads of the Departments, Conveners of Boards of Studies, College Principals and other officials of the University