Srinagar, Feb 06: Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Higher Education Department Shantamanu Thursday said that adherence to transparency and efficiency not only ensures accountability but will also strengthen the Kashmir University's reputation as a premier center of learning.
He said this while chairing a "high level" meeting with Vice Chancellor Kashmir University (KU) Prof. Nilofer Khan and other senior officers and functionaries of the varsity.
As per the KU's handout issued here, Shantamanu has expressed satisfaction with the varsity's operational practices and praised the "seamless functioning of its departments."
He said emphasized that adherence to transparency and efficiency not only ensures accountability but also strengthens the "institution's reputation as a premier center of learning."
During the meeting, Shantamanu conducted a comprehensive review of the university s various units and departments, assessing key aspects such as admission trends, ongoing research, infrastructural development and student facilities.
He emphasized the importance of enhancing academic and research excellence while ensuring that students receive quality education and modern amenities.
The ACS also visited various research centres, departments and other utilities of the campus including the advanced research facility at Dept of Food & Science Technology (FST) and Center for Interdisciplinary Research and innovations (CIRI), 24X07 facility for the student at Allama Iqbal Library, IT park and state of the art Convocation Complex of the University.
The ACS, as per the handout, has appreciated the university s progress and urged the administration to further "streamline academic and administrative processes."
He assured full support from the Higher Education Department (HED) in addressing key challenges and advancing the institution s vision for excellence.
Earlier, VC KU Prof. Nilofer Khan in her presentation highlighted the overall functioning of the university and highlighted recent initiatives undertaken to strengthen academics, faculty development, and campus infrastructure.
She also outlined the university s efforts to foster innovation and interdisciplinary research in emerging fields.
The VC apprised the ACS about the various ongoing and upcoming academic activities, new courses introduced, research projects going on across the campuses, international collaborations, faculty development programs, progress registered under various disciplines and skill development initiatives taken by the University.
Prof Nilofer Khan also highlighted the various initiatives taken for the smooth implementation and execution of NEP 2020 framework for the overall and holistic development of higher education system, timely conduct of examinations and declaration of results and strict adherence to academic calendar.
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
Srinagar, Feb 12: Jammu and Kashmir recorded over 15.48 lakh traffic violation cases in 2025, with authorities collecting more than Rs 34.17 crore as penalty under the Motor Vehicles Act, the Centre informed Parliament on Thursday. The information was shared in the Lok Sabha in response to a question raised by MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal. According to the official data, 15,48,525 challans were issued across the Union Territory in 2025, while the penalty amount recovered stood at Rs 34,17,36,740. The figures further show that in 2024, a total of 15,44,105 violations were registered with a penalty collection of around Rs 43.40 crore, while in 2023, 12,38,584 challans were issued and Rs 34.56 crore was collected. For the current year, till February 8, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 1,63,531 traffic violation cases, with revenue collection of about Rs 2.11 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that stricter penalties under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 are aimed at ensuring better compliance and deterrence. It also said that traffic enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of States and Union Territories. The government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for electronic monitoring and is promoting technology-driven enforcement through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras integrated with the VAHAN database. Awareness campaigns under the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan are also being carried out to improve road safety.
New Delhi, Jan 25: The Dental Council of India (DCI) has directed all universities and dental colleges across the country to strictly ensure a minimum of 80 percent biometric attendance for Post Graduate students before allowing them to appear in examinations. The decision has been taken to curb absenteeism among postgraduate dental students. According to a circular issued by the Dental Council of India-a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the decision has been taken after multiple complaints were received from dental colleges in Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh regarding non-attendance of PG students. "The matter was examined by the Grievance Sub-Committee of the DCI in its meeting held on November 24, 2025," the circular reads. It reads that after detailed discussion and deliberation, the committee recommended that all universities and dental colleges must ensure compliance with Regulation 18(a)(i) of the DCI Master of Dental Surgery Course Regulations, 2017, which mandates at least 80 per cent attendance. "The recommendation of the Grievance Sub-Committee has been approved by the Executive Committee of the Dental Council of India through circulation and has now been formally communicated for information and necessary action," the circular reads. As per the circular, all the universities and dental colleges have been directed to ensure minimum 80 per cent biometric attendance of all PG students before permitting them to appear in examinations. The order, issued by Deputy Secretary Dental Council of India Mukesh Kumar, is expected to be implemented with immediate effect across the country.
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. “Hundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,” said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the faculty’s demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. “We are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,” he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. “The irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,” he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for “equal work, equal pay” gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. “Promises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,” he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. “This issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Srinagar, March 6: Around 17 candidates from Jammu and Kashmir have qualified the Civil Services Examination (CSE)-2025, the result for which was declared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday. The commission recommended a total of 958 candidates for appointment to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and various central services. Anuj Agnihotri, an MBBS graduate, has topped the civil services examination 2025, while Rajeshwari Suve M and Akansh Dhull have got the second and third ranks respectively. According to the official list released by the UPSC the 17 candidates from J&K who have figured in the final merit list include Suvan Sharma (Rank 148), Sugandha Gupta (207), Towseef Ganie (Rank 254), Ritika (Rank 456), Sooyash Shivam (Rank 572), Muneeb Parrah (Rank 581), Ghulam Din (Rank 683), Dwarka Gaadhi (Rank 721), Akash (Rank 747), Koh E Safa (Rank 763), Yasaar (Rank 811), Abhishek (Rank 820), Pankaj (Rank 856), Mohammad Ajaz (Rank 869), Azhar (Rank 886), Sarfraz (Rank 936), and Irfan (Rank 957). The results were declared after conducting the written examination in August 2025 followed by the personality tests (interviews) conducted between December 2025 and February 2026. As per the result notification issue by the UPSC, a total of 958 candidates have been recommended for appointment against 1087 vacancies reported by the government for the examination cycle. These include 180 vacancies in the IAS, 55 in the IFS, 150 in the IPS, 507 in Central Services Group A and 195 in Group B services. Of the total recommended candidates, 317 are from the general category, 104 from the economically weaker sections, 306 from other backward classes, 158 from scheduled castes and 73 from scheduled tribes. A consolidated reserve list of 258 candidates has also been published in accordance with the rules. The claims of recommended candidates regarding reservation categories will be subject to verification by the concerned authorities. The UPSC has stated that the candidature of 348 recommended candidates has been kept provisional, while the result of the two candidates has been kept withheld. The CSE is conducted annually in three stages- preliminary, Mains and interview by the UPSC to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. The civil services (preliminary) examination 2025 was conducted on May 25 of 2025. A total of 937876 candidates applied for this examination, out of which 5,76,793 actually appeared in the test. A total of 14,161 candidates qualified for appearance in the written (Main) examination which was held in August, 2025. Of these, 2736 candidates had qualified for the personality test (interview) of the examination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the candidates who qualified the UPSC exam. "Congratulations to all those who have successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination, 2025. Their dedication, perseverance and hard work have led to this significant milestone. Wishing them the very best as they embark on a journey of serving the nation and fulfilling the aspirations of the people," PM Modi wrote on his official X handle. "To those who may not have secured the desired outcome in the Civil Services Examination, I understand that such moments can be difficult. However, this is only one step in a larger journey. Many opportunities lie ahead, both in future examinations and in the many avenues through which you can contribute to our nation. My best wishes for the road ahead," his post on X reads. UPSC chairman Ajay Kumar announced the declaration of the result and congratulated the candidates who qualified the exam. "Congrats to all successful candidates as you begin a career of service to the nation. For those who did not make it-the learning from this journey will guide you in the paths ahead," UPSC Chairman wrote in a post on X. Among the 17 candidates from J&K who qualified UPSC exam inlcude a visually impaired candidate Irfan Ahmad Lone, a resident of Manzpora in the Naidkhai area of Bandipora.
Srinagar, Oct 9: In a significant achievement reflecting its growing research excellence, 20 scientists from the University of Kashmir (KU) have featured in the prestigious Stanford University Rankings 2026, marking a notable milestone for the University. KU’s representation is among the highest and the largest among universities in the J&K UT underscoring its growing contribution to global research. The list also features women faculty members and researchers highlighting the University’s expanding research participation. The KU scientists featuring in the 2026 list include Dr Adil Gani, Prof Imtiaz Ahmad, Dr. Idrees Ahmad Wani, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Masoodi, Dr Faheem Arjamend Sheikh, Dr. Mudasir Ahmad, Dr Shabir Ahmad Parah, Dr Abdul Mueed Hafiz, Prof. Ghulam Jeelani, Dr. Basharat Ahmad Bhat, Prof Aijaz Ahmad , Dr Firdous Ahmad Shah, Dr. Arshid Bashir, Dr. Reyaz Hassan Mir, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Khanday, Dr. Akhtar Alam, Dr. Aaliya Qureashi, Dr. Shazia Shafi Sofi and Dr. Nusrat Jan. The University’s representation has grown from 14 researchers in 2024 and 2025 to 20 in 2026. The increase reflects the expanding impact of research at the University across disciplines. The continued presence of KU researchers in the list over successive years also reflects the steadiness and consistency of their scholarly contributions and their growing visibility in the global research community. Congratulating the researchers, Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said the recognition was a matter of pride for the University and reflected the dedication of its faculty towards impactful research. “This recognition reflects our researchers’ commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to the global scientific community. The inclusion of our scientists, particularly women faculty members, is encouraging and will inspire young researchers to pursue excellence and innovation,” she said. Dean Academic Affairs, KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, said the achievement reflected the quality of scholarship at the University and would motivate students and early-career researchers to pursue meaningful, internationally recognised research. Dean Research, KU, Prof. Bashir Ganaie, said the University’s representation in the global list shows its sustained research activity across disciplines and the importance of strengthening a vibrant research culture. Registrar, KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, described the recognition as both an honour and a responsibility, noting that the continued presence of KU scientists in global rankings reaffirmed the University’s standing as a centre of academic and research excellence in the region. The rankings draw on standardised citation indicators, including citations, h-index, co-authorship and other measures of research impact, to assess scientists’ contributions. KU’s representation across diverse research areas reflects its continued efforts to strengthen research, foster collaboration and encourage scholarly contributions with global relevance.
Srinagar, Sep 20: The 5th edition of the Green Valley Model United Nations (GVMUN) concluded at Green Valley Educational Institute (GVEI) after three days of intensive debate, diplomatic deliberations and discussions on pressing global issues. More than 200 delegates from schools across the Valley participated in the three-day event. The conference was jointly inaugurated by advisor to J&K CM Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar. The valedictory ceremony was attended by social activist Roma Wani as the chief guest and was accompanied by Chairman GVEI, Mohammad Yousuf Wani, Director GVEI Prof. (Dr) Fayaz Ahmad Nika, Principal GVEI, Reyaz Ahmad Kathjoo, faculty members, delegates, staff and students. The three-day conference featured six committees, with delegates taking on the roles of diplomats, policymakers and international representatives to deliberate on complex issues including the Gulf Crisis, international shipping and energy security, and global drug policies. The conference showcased not only public speaking and debating skills but also the ability to develop well-researched policy implications and practical diplomatic solutions, with award-winning papers reflecting diverse approaches to some of the most challenging international questions. Discussions on global drug policies moved beyond conventional debates on prohibition and enforcement, with one position paper advocating a dual-pillar approach combining universal public health, harm reduction and treatment with targeted intervention against transnational criminal networks. The other committees namely Historical Crisis Committee, UNWC, UNSC witnessed thought provoking debates. The Director GVEI Prof. (Dr) Fayaz Ahmad Nikka welcomed the guests and talked about the efforts of this institution in providing the best possible education to its students. The Chief Guest, Roma Wani personally visited the various houses during the last session and interacted with the delegates. She enquired from the delegates about how their interactions and debates can bring changes in the real world. "It is important to take some life lessons from these debates and discussions," she said. While addressing the delegates she said such conferences are very important in nurturing our future generation. "I appreciate the intellect, energy and grit of our students. Our future seems to be in secure hands.” She added. She further said that youth has a greater responsibility to discuss, debate and help in creating a drug free society. The highlight of the valedictory ceremony was the felicitation and prize distribution, where outstanding delegates were recognized for their performance across the various committees, with awards acknowledging excellence in research, diplomacy, articulation, negotiation and committee participation. The vote of thanks was proposed by the Principal GVEI Riyaz Ahmad Kathjoo who expressed gratitude to the chief guest, delegates, other dignitaries and also acknowledged the efforts of the GVMUN Core Team, Executive Board, organising committee, faculty coordinators and participating schools, whose collective efforts contributed to the successful conduct of the conference. The students also presented some cultural performances during the event.
Srinagar, Sep 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA) has announced a landmark strategic collaboration with internationally acclaimed Finnish education expert and Director of Finland 2030 × Lifology, Meike Krautscheid, aimed at transforming the school education ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir and creating a more learner-centric, innovative and future-ready environment for students. The collaboration seeks to draw upon key principles associated with Finland’s education system, including child-centred learning, reduced academic stress, creativity, practical education, socio-emotional development and greater emphasis on skills and real-world learning, while adapting these ideas to the local educational and social context of Jammu and Kashmir. As part of the initiative, Meike Krautscheid, accompanied by Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA) representatives, undertook extensive visits to various private schools in Kashmir. The visits included interactions with school managements, teachers and students, observation of classroom practices and discussions on existing pedagogical approaches and the challenges confronting the education sector. The collaboration was also discussed in the presence of Nafisa Barodawala, Apex Training Educator and Soft Skills Trainer; PSA State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat; PSA Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo; PRO B.A. Shah and other stakeholders. Following the assessment visits, the Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA) and Meike Krautscheid jointly outlined a comprehensive roadmap focused on four key areas: teacher capacity building through specialised training in child-centric and modern pedagogy; academic exchange programmes to provide students, teachers and edu. leaders with international exposure; educational tourism through learning exchanges, retreats and academic forums and district-level Innovation Hubs to promote creativity, critical thinking and practical STEM-based learning. Speaking about her experience in Jammu and Kashmir, Meike Krautscheid, Director of Finland 2030, said her visit had provided an opportunity to understand the region’s educational environment, interact with school managements, teachers and students and explore areas where international collaboration could create practical value. “I am very happy to meet with the Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA), faculties and students here in Kashmir. One of the most important things to thrive in life is openness, compassion and love for what you do. Knowledge is the next step, but openness allows us to keep learning and growing”. Meike highlighted the importance of practical learning and giving students opportunities to gain experience beyond conventional classroom instruction. “Students should not only learn concepts, they should also get practical experiences. They need opportunities to experiment, create, solve problems and understand how knowledge works in real life. This is an important part of preparing young people for the future." On the possibility of creating exchange and training opportunities between Kashmir and Finland, Krautscheid said the partnership could be developed in several ways through the JKPSA and her international network. “If someone wants to experience Finland and its education system, receive training or explore different aspects of the Finnish learning environment, these opportunities can be arranged. The partnership can be developed in different ways and the Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association can play an important role in building that bridge." Meike encouraged students and educators in Jammu and Kashmir to remain curious, open-minded and willing to step beyond their comfort zones. “Stay open and stay curious. Doors will open when you step outside your comfort zone. The internet gives us access to enormous amounts of knowledge, but experience also comes from encountering different cultures, mindsets and perspectives. Expand your mind, expand your perspective that is what can make a person truly successful in life." PSA State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat said the association was delighted to welcome Meike Krautscheid to Jammu and Kashmir, describing the collaboration as a significant opportunity to jointly advance teacher capacity building, modern pedagogical practices, international academic exposure and future-oriented learning across the region. “It is with immense pride and pleasure that we welcome Ms. Meike to Jammu and Kashmir. We are very happy to have her with us, we will organise specialised teacher-training programmes with her support. We also hope to facilitate visits by experts from Finland to Jammu & Kashmir so that our teachers can benefit from international experience and modern teaching practices." Bhat said the association’s larger vision was to create a schooling environment where academic excellence goes hand in hand with students’ emotional well-being, creativity and practical skills. “Our vision is to build a schooling model that reduces academic stress while empowering our children with future-ready skills. This collaboration is an important step towards bringing meaningful global practices into our classrooms while ensuring that every initiative remains relevant to the needs of our students and schools in Jammu and Kashmir." JK-PSA Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo described the initiative as a major opportunity for the private school sector to establish a meaningful bridge between Jammu and Kashmir and Finland in the field of education sector. “On behalf of the Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA), I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Meike for visiting Kashmir, visiting our schools and spending valuable time with our leadership, teachers and students. We have visited several schools together and we strongly believe this collaboration will produce fruitful results in the future." Dr. Mattoo said the partnership would focus on teacher capacity building, academic exchange programmes, educational tourism and school-based Innovation Hubs. “The Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA) will act as a bridge between Finland and Kashmir. We want to create opportunities for our students, teachers and school leaders to visit Finland, understand how education is imparted there and gain first-hand international exposure. At the same time, we want Finnish experts to come to Kashmir and share their experience with our educators." Dr. Mattoo called the collaboration a “golden opportunity” for the region’s private education sector. He said the initiative could help schools move beyond conventional teaching models and explore emerging pedagogies. "We usually look at international pedagogies and try to learn from them. Meike is working at the level of creating and developing new pedagogies for the future. That makes this collaboration particularly valuable for us. It gives our schools an opportunity to explore innovative approaches rather than simply follow established models." The Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA) described the collaboration as a significant step towards bringing global educational expertise and innovative practices to local schools, while ensuring that the region’s educational needs and cultural values. The initiative is aimed at building more progressive, inclusive, child-centric and future-ready education system that empowers students and strengthens educators for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The association reiterated its commitment to taking the initiative forward systematically in the coming months, with a particular focus on teacher training, student development, innovation, international exposure and future-ready education.
