University of Jammu signs MoU with M/S ICT Academy for ICT related collaborations

Jammu, Sept 29: The University of Jammu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/S ICT Academy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, marking a significant step towards enhancing skill development, industry-relevant training, and academic research. The signing ceremony took place in the virtual presence of Sh. Satish Sharma Ji, Hon’ble Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & Trainings, and Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu.

The MoU was formally signed by Mr. V. Srikant, CEO, ICT Academy, and Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, University of Jammu. On behalf of the University, Centre for IT Enabled Services & Management (CITES) and Skill, Incubation, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC) shall function as the Nodal Offices for this collaboration.

Congratulating both institutions on this collaboration, Sh. Satish Sharma emphasized that this MoU is a significant milestone in the area of Skill and Technology. He stressed upon making J&K the Power House of Innovation and highlighted the importance of such partnerships in bridging the gap between academia and industry, and applauded the efforts towards skill-building for youth and faculty alike. He assured full support in making this endeavour successful for the benefit of students and other stakeholders of Jammu & Kashmir.

Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, highlighted the broader scope of the MoU, stating that under this partnership, ICT Academy will conduct industry-relevant training programs for faculty and students; facilitate partner programs for the University; provide free online access to ICTACT Research Journals; offer expert guidance to align university curriculum with current industry requirements etc.

Mr. V. Srikant, CEO of ICT Academy, provided an overview of the organization, noting that it is a not-for-profit initiative under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, supported by the Government of India, State Governments, and the industry. ICT Academy focuses on developing next-generation teachers and creating industry-ready students, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities and rural areas. He mentioned that the largest FDP Programme will be launched in the University of Jammu by ICT Academy shortly after signing of this MoU. He also emphasized ICT Academy’s goal of making J&K as a Destination Capital for Talent Pool by 2030.

Dr. Ginny Dogra, Director, Directorate of Internal Quality Assurance (DIQA), welcomed the dignitaries and provided insights into the objectives of signing the MoU.

The event was attended by senior university officials, including:

Prof. Neelu Rohmetra (Dean Research Studies), Prof. J.P. Singh Joorel (Dean Academic Affairs), Prof. Naresh Padha (Professor in Physics), Prof. Vibhakar Mansotra (HoD, Department of Computer Science), Prof. Alka Sharma (Director, SIIEDC), Prof. Rahul Gupta (Rector, Bhaderwah Campus), Prof. Arvind Jasrotia (Rector, Kathua Campus), Prof. K.S. Charak, Prof. Garima Gupta, Prof. Shallu Sehgal (Faculty of SIIEDC), Prof. Sushil Sharma (HoD, Department of Electronics), Dr. Neeraj Sharma (Registrar), and Dr. Guneet Singh Sudan (Director, Centre for IT Enabled Services & Management).

This MoU is poised to open new avenues for knowledge exchange, skill enhancement, and research collaboration, further empowering the students and faculty of the University of Jammu to meet the evolving demands of the global workforce.