JU unveils major digital initiatives; Dr. Mandeep Bhandari calls for wider technology outreach

JU's Centre for IT to emerge as Centre of Excellence, drive AI-led transdisciplinary education: Prof. Rai

Jammu, October 3: The University of Jammu on Saturday inaugurated a series of digital and technology-driven initiatives at its Centre for IT Enabled Services & Emerging Technologies (CITES&ET), marking another significant step towards strengthening the University's IT infrastructure, digital services, cybersecurity framework and technology-enabled academic and administrative ecosystem.

Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, inaugurated the initiatives as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, presided over the function.

The initiatives inaugurated on the occasion included a Hi-Tech Conference Room, Phase-I of the University Network Core and Distribution Switches, 24×7 Power Backup Facility, Live Streaming Facility, University Wellness Portal, NAD Portal, Property Tax Statement Portal, dedicated website for CITES&ET, PRAGATI AI Task Manager and the Cyber Security Cell, among other technology-enabled facilities.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari said that CITES&ET has the potential to emerge as an important technological hub, not only supporting the University but also enabling its initiatives to reach beyond the campus and be taken to wider platforms and implemented on a larger scale.

Highlighting the rapidly evolving nature of the IT sector, Dr. Bhandari underlined the need to continuously strengthen technological capabilities to respond effectively to emerging challenges. Referring particularly to cybersecurity, he said that creating a secure digital environment had assumed growing importance and that the Government, along with other stakeholders, was continuously working in this direction to strengthen systems and address emerging cyber threats.

Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, said that a strong IT ecosystem had become indispensable for universities at a time when Artificial Intelligence, coding, data and computational capabilities were rapidly transforming education, research and institutional functioning.

He said that the University had made a beginning but must now accelerate the pace of technological advancement to keep abreast of the rapidly changing scenario. He observed that in an era increasingly shaped by AI, data and emerging technologies, universities needed robust IT systems to remain relevant and responsive to changing academic and societal requirements.

Referring to the consistent emphasis laid by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor on technology, Prof. Rai stressed that the time had come to move beyond compartmentalised disciplines and take education towards a transdisciplinary mode of problem-solving through the effective use of AI and IT.

Prof. Rai expressed confidence that CITES&ET would soon evolve into a Centre of Excellence in IT, providing a strong technological backbone to the University's academic, research and administrative ecosystem. He congratulated Dr. Guneet Singh Sudan, Director, CITES&ET, and his team for the pace and commitment with which they were taking forward the Centre and its various initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Guneet Singh Sudan, Director, CITES&ET, highlighted the proactive steps being undertaken by the Centre to embrace emerging technologies and strengthen the University's technological capabilities. He expressed confidence that CITES&ET would soon emerge as a hub for state-of-the-art technological facilities, fostering innovation, research and technology-driven solutions.

He further informed that the Centre is developing a range of AI-enabled software applications that would be progressively implemented across various departments and offices of the University to streamline administrative processes, enhance operational efficiency and enable the timely achievement of institutional targets. The initiatives aims to provide an enabling environment to transform ideas into viable solutions, with the potential for further development into startups.

A major highlight of the inauguration was the PRAGATI AI Task Manager, an in-house developed AI-enabled platform designed to enhance transparency, accountability, productivity and data-driven performance management within the University. Moving beyond conventional task-tracking systems, the platform enables employees to record and manage assigned tasks while providing a structured overview of work allocation, progress, timelines and completion status.

With the integration of Artificial Intelligence, PRAGATI AI Task Manager is designed to generate meaningful insights into workload distribution, human resource utilisation, task completion patterns, delays and performance against assigned targets. These insights can assist institutional authorities in identifying operational bottlenecks, improving work planning and facilitating informed decision-making. Developed as a scalable solution, the platform can be extended across various sections, offices and departments of the University, providing institutional leadership with a consolidated view of ongoing activities and supporting more efficient administrative functioning.

Another significant initiative inaugurated on the occasion was the Cyber Security Cell at CITES&ET, aimed at strengthening the University's cybersecurity framework and safeguarding its digital assets. With the increasing dependence on digital platforms, network infrastructure, online services and electronic records, the Cell is envisaged to support cybersecurity awareness, vulnerability assessments, security audits, risk identification and coordination in responding to cybersecurity incidents. The initiative seeks to strengthen the protection of critical University information, digital platforms and network services while fostering a culture of cyber awareness and resilience across the institution.

The Hi-Tech Conference Room, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, was also inaugurated to facilitate high-level meetings, conferences, workshops, presentations and academic interactions. The facility is expected to strengthen institutional communication and provide a technology-enabled environment for academic collaboration and administrative coordination.

The University also showcased Phase-I of its network infrastructure augmentation, comprising core and distribution switches with an investment of approximately ₹2.50 crore. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the University's network backbone and enhancing internet connectivity to meet its growing digital requirements. The availability of a 24×7 Power Backup Facility further supports the continuity and reliability of critical digital infrastructure and services.

The Live Streaming Facility was also inaugurated to facilitate the webcast of University events, enabling wider dissemination of important academic, administrative and institutional programmes and extending their reach to stakeholders beyond the physical venue.

Among the other digital initiatives showcased were the in-house developed University Wellness Portal, NAD Portal and Property Tax Statement Portal, reflecting the Centre's efforts to develop technology-based solutions for diverse institutional requirements and streamline access to University services.

The Centre also launched its dedicated in-house developed website, designed to serve as a unified digital gateway to CITES&ET's various divisions, ongoing projects, technological initiatives and IT-enabled services. The website provides stakeholders with a consolidated platform to access information about the Centre's activities and services, thereby strengthening digital outreach, transparency and accessibility.

Ms. Jaswinder Kaur gave a detailed presentation on the newly inaugurated initiatives, highlighting their salient features, functionality and envisaged role in strengthening the University's digital ecosystem. The presentation highlighted the potential of PRAGATI AI Task Manager in supporting data-driven institutional management, the importance of the Cyber Security Cell in strengthening the University's digital security framework, and the role of the Centre's various digital facilities in improving institutional processes and service delivery.

On the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor's Trophies were also presented to members of the staff of CITES&ET in recognition of their dedication, commitment and contribution towards strengthening the University's IT and digital ecosystem. Prof. Rai appreciated the efforts of the team and acknowledged their role in translating the University's technology-driven initiatives into functional services and facilities.

The programme was attended by Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Prof. J. P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs; Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; besides Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, senior officers of the University and staff of CITES&ET.

The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Dr. Jasleen.