Dear Readers, JK Monitor has always been committed to keeping you informed with news and updates that matter. Today, we invite you to become a part of our journey and help us continue serving you. We appeal to our readers, well-wishers, and supporters of independent journalism to come forward and contribute towards the continued growth and sustainability of JK Monitor. Every contribution, big or small, is a valuable gesture of support. JK Monitor is more than a news platform; it is a voice we build together. Your support can help keep that voice strong. To contribute or know more, please contact us at 9906103001. Stand with JK Monitor. Support independent journalism.

SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) held its 73rd Meeting of the Board of Management (BoM) at the VC Secretariat, SKUAST-K, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai chairing the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu; Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General, Agricultural Extension, ICAR; Dr. Cherukamulli Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI; representatives from Director General, Codes; Special Secretary, Agriculture Production; Special Secretary, Planning and Monitoring; Director Extension, SKUAST-K; Dean, Faculty of Forestry; officers of the university; and a progressive farmer, among others.

During the meeting, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai presented the University's progress report, outlining institutional developments and the roadmap for its next phase of transformation.

In his address, Prof. Ganai said SKUAST-K has achieved the goal set in 2022 of moving from ā€˜Local to National’ and is now repositioning its goalpost from ā€˜National to Global’. He said the next phase of transformation would focus on six key pillars: student diversity, faculty diversity, curriculum transformation, research and innovation, world-class infrastructure, and financial sustainability.

Outlining the University's 2030 roadmap, he identified targets including raising international student enrolment to 5 percent and the share of students from other States and Union Territories to 35 percent. He also set targets of expanding the University's intellectual property rights (IPR) portfolio to over 250, taking its H-index to 250-plus, and attracting more than 50 faculty members from outside the Union Territory, including Professors of Practice and Adjunct Faculty, to strengthen faculty diversity.

Among the major decisions, the Board approved the establishment of the Centre for Faculty Training and Pedagogy Research (CFTPR) under the Centre for Quality Education, along with the Centre for Quality Plant Material Discipline and Certification (CQPMDC).

As part of academic restructuring, the Board approved the renaming of several divisions. The Division of Floriculture and Landscaping was renamed the Division of Floriculture, Ornamental Breeding and Landscaping Innovation. The Division of Fruit Sciences was renamed the Division of Fruit Breeding, Technology and Innovation, while the Division of Vegetable Sciences was renamed the Division of Vegetable Breeding, Technology and Innovation.

On the recommendations of the Selection Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Deans and Directors in various academic and administrative positions, including Education, Research, Planning and Monitoring, Students Welfare, Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary Sciences and Fisheries.

The Board also approved direct appointments of Associate Professors and Professors across 14 departments, along with Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions of Associate Professors and Professors in 31 disciplines. The Board also approved select recommendations of the Academic Council and considered matters related to statutory amendments.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡