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JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level meeting of Jammu Kashmir Higher Education Council, at Lok Bhavan. The meeting was attended by Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, J&K Higher Education Council; Shri Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Shri Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Administrative Secretary, Skill Development; Shri Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary; Higher Education Department; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof. Nilofer Khan, VC Kashmir University; Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, VC, IUST; Shri Pragati Kumar, VC SMVDU; Prof BN Tripathi, VC SKUAST Jammu; Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, VC Central University of Kashmir; Prof. Sanjeev Jain, VC Central University of Jammu; Prof. Jawaid Iqbal, VC BGSBU; Prof. Mohammad Mobin, VC Cluster University Srinagar; Prof Manoj Singh Gaur, Director IIT Jammu; Prof Kavi Arya from IIT Bombay; Ms Shobha Bagai, Director, Cluster Innovation Centre Delhi University and other members. 

The Council, under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor, deliberated on comprehensive strategies aimed at driving the holistic transformation of the education sector across the Union Territory.

The key agendas included implementation of the ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD) program and the adoption of its official manual across universities, integration of IT and Artificial Intelligence into the curriculum, strategies to promote entrepreneurship, knowledge-based skills and develop human capital for Viksit Bharat.

The Lieutenant Governor directed for the effective, on-ground implementation of ‘Design Your Degree’, skill development, Artificial intelligence and other innovative programmes and initiatives across higher educational institutions. He also called for seamless synergy between Central and Union Territory educational institutions to drive a holistic transformation of the education sector.

“We must establish benchmarks aligned with both national and international standards, ensuring that Jammu Kashmir's education sector stands as a model of excellence in the country,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, JKHEC emphasized that the core mission must remain the realization of human potential, ensuring that higher education directly fosters societal service and enhances student productivity.

The Council also deliberated on setting up a regular mechanism to ensure cooperation and collaboration between various institutions of Jammu & Kashmir for engendering of Joint Degree Programmes and a common technology-based platform for sharing of practices, ideas and programmes of various institutions; increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), special initiatives such as ‘The Riverine College’ and the AI Competition, JKHEC budget utilization for 2025-26 and budget allocations for 2026-27.

Vice Chancellors and members of the Council shared their insights on the way forward for the DYD program and further interventions in higher education with the implementation of NEP 2020.

Prof Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director of Colleges, J&K; Dr Seema Naz, Nodal Principal, Government College of Education; Dr Ravinder Kumar Tickoo, Principal, GCW Parade Jammu also attended the meeting.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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