Srinagar Jul 16: Vice Chancellor Kashmir University (KU) Prof Nilofer Khan Thursday rejected the perception that distance education was meant only for students unable to secure admission in the regular system, saying that learners enrolled in the centre are equally capable and deserving of quality education.
She was speaking during an alumni meeting organised by the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) of KU
During her address, VC KU called for a comprehensive review of academic programmes at the CDOE, saying there was a need to introduce new online courses, revise curricula and align academic offerings with emerging industry and societal needs.
The Vice Chancellor said the university must introspect and modernise its programmes in view of rapid changes in technology, research, entrepreneurship and the job market.
She said the Centre for Distance and Online Education, formerly the Directorate of Distance Education, has completed 50 years and remains one of the university's flagship academic institutions.
Describing it as a "mini-university" within Kashmir University, she said the centre has played a significant role in extending higher education opportunities beyond conventional classrooms through flexible and technology-enabled learning.
She called for immediate reforms and said the university should identify subjects that are currently in demand and revise syllabi accordingly to improve employability.
She said the focus should not only be on securing jobs but also on promoting entrepreneurship and startups by designing courses that meet the requirements of industry and society.
She directed the centre to prepare a roadmap for introducing online programmes, saying such courses have become the need of the hour and are already being offered by universities across the country.
She also advocated organising workshops and inviting experts from leading institutions to help strengthen the centre's academic offerings.
"Distance education is not meant only for students unable to secure admission in the regular system. Learners enrolled in the centre are equally capable and deserving of quality education," VC KU said.
She paid tribute to former faculty members and administrators and said the University's present standing is the result of decades of contributions made by retired teachers and academic leaders.
She said the institution would continue building on that legacy with the aim of achieving greater national and global recognition.
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.
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.
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.
Jammu, March 10: J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the status of vacancies and the progress of recruitments being undertaken through the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) across various departments of the Union Territory. The meeting was attended by the concerned Administrative Secretaries, Chairperson JKSSB, Secretary JKPSC and other concerned representatives from different departments. While reviewing the progress, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for expeditious filling of all critical vacancies to strengthen governance and improve public service delivery. He called upon all Administrative Secretaries to hold regular follow-up meetings with their departments and recruitment agencies to ensure that pending issues are resolved and vacancies are filled at the earliest. He emphasized that timelines fixed for ongoing recruitment drives must be strictly adhered to, and directed that all posts received by the recruiting agencies should be advertised without delay. The Chief Secretary further advised the recruiting agencies to prepare and publish examination calendars simultaneously, enabling aspirants to have clarity regarding the schedule of examinations and adequate time to prepare. During the review, the Chief Secretary also took note of several bottlenecks affecting certain recruitments in JKPSC and JKSSB. He examined each issue in detail and directed the concerned departments to issue necessary clarifications and resolve procedural hurdles immediately so that the recruitment process is not delayed. Observing that prolonged recruitment cycles often create uncertainty for job aspirants, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of conducting recruitment within a defined timeframe. He noted that a predictable recruitment cycle would allow applicants to plan their careers better and reduce anxiety among candidates. During the meeting, the Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD), M.Raju presented a comprehensive overview of vacant posts across government departments. The data revealed that a total of 40,661 posts are currently vacant in different departments, including 3,808 Gazetted, 24,507 Non-Gazetted, and 12,351 Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) posts. Among major departments, Health & Medical Education accounts for a significant share of vacancies with 2,497 Gazetted, 8,088 Non-Gazetted and 2,712 MTS posts, while other departments with substantial vacancies include Agriculture Production, Power Development, Finance, Revenue, Forest, Public Works (R&B) and Youth Services & Sports. While reviewing the recruitment being undertaken by the JKSSB for Non-Gazetted and MTS posts the Chairperson SSB, Vikas Kundal revealed that since 2019 the Board has received 46,744 posts, out of which 9,260 were withdrawn, leaving 37,484 posts for recruitment. The Board has already completed selections for 32,956 posts, including 27,449 selections pertaining to this period. He further added that at present, 10,035 posts remain under different stages of recruitment with JKSSB. These include 2,532 posts yet to be advertised, 4,768 posts at the examination stage, 1,258 at the selection stage, and 1,477 posts under live advertisements awaiting completion of the recruitment process. Meanwhile the Secretary, JKPSC, Bashir Ahmad Dar apprised the meeting about the status of posts referred to the JKPSC for recruitment. He divulged that at present, 1,745 Gazetted posts are under process with the Commission out of these, against 1,573 posts selection schedule has already been drawn, while 172 posts are yet to be scheduled due to certain procedural issues. He also gave out that a recruitment timeline has been worked out by the Commission for filling these posts. As per the schedule, 630 selections are targeted for completion by March 2026, 476 during April–May 2026, 158 during June–July 2026, and 309 during August–September 2026. Additionally department-wise analysis shows that the highest number of posts with JKPSC pertains to Health & Medical Education (872 posts) followed by School Education (470 posts), General Administration (170 posts) and Higher Education (129 posts), among others. The meeting was informed that all departments have shared the latest status of advertised posts, vacant positions and posts proposed to be referred to recruiting agencies. It was resolved that all clear vacancies without legal or procedural issues will be referred to the respective recruiting agencies at the earliest for timely recruitment.
Srinagar Jul 16: Vice Chancellor Kashmir University (KU) Prof Nilofer Khan Thursday rejected the perception that distance education was meant only for students unable to secure admission in the regular system, saying that learners enrolled in the centre are equally capable and deserving of quality education. She was speaking during an alumni meeting organised by the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) of KU During her address, VC KU called for a comprehensive review of academic programmes at the CDOE, saying there was a need to introduce new online courses, revise curricula and align academic offerings with emerging industry and societal needs. The Vice Chancellor said the university must introspect and modernise its programmes in view of rapid changes in technology, research, entrepreneurship and the job market. She said the Centre for Distance and Online Education, formerly the Directorate of Distance Education, has completed 50 years and remains one of the university's flagship academic institutions. Describing it as a "mini-university" within Kashmir University, she said the centre has played a significant role in extending higher education opportunities beyond conventional classrooms through flexible and technology-enabled learning. She called for immediate reforms and said the university should identify subjects that are currently in demand and revise syllabi accordingly to improve employability. She said the focus should not only be on securing jobs but also on promoting entrepreneurship and startups by designing courses that meet the requirements of industry and society. She directed the centre to prepare a roadmap for introducing online programmes, saying such courses have become the need of the hour and are already being offered by universities across the country. She also advocated organising workshops and inviting experts from leading institutions to help strengthen the centre's academic offerings. "Distance education is not meant only for students unable to secure admission in the regular system. Learners enrolled in the centre are equally capable and deserving of quality education," VC KU said. She paid tribute to former faculty members and administrators and said the University's present standing is the result of decades of contributions made by retired teachers and academic leaders. She said the institution would continue building on that legacy with the aim of achieving greater national and global recognition.
Srinagar, Jul 5: The University of Kashmir Sunday organised a flag-off ceremony for its National Youth Parliament Team, which is proceeding to New Delhi to receive the prestigious National Championship Award in the 17th National Youth Parliament Competition (2025–26) at Parliament House, the highest democratic institution of the country. The University contingent, comprising 50 students, is led by Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer and Coordinator, National Youth Parliament, who has mentored and guided the championship-winning team throughout the competition. In her message, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nilofer Khan said "The triumph of our students in the National Youth Parliament Competition is a celebration of knowledge, leadership and democratic values. Their recognition at the Parliament of India, the temple of our democracy, is not merely an award but a powerful affirmation that the youth of Kashmir possess the vision, intellect and confidence to contribute to the nation's future. This historic achievement will inspire generations of students to dream bigger, think deeper and lead with integrity. On behalf of the entire University fraternity, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and wish the team continued success as proud ambassadors of the University of Kashmir." Registrar, Prof. Naseer Iqbal: said "This remarkable accomplishment reflects the culture of excellence, discipline and perseverance that defines the University of Kashmir. Our students have demonstrated that with dedication and commitment, no goal is beyond reach. Being honoured at the Parliament of India is a rare distinction and a proud milestone in the University's journey. I congratulate every member of the team and appreciate the tireless efforts of the mentor whose guidance transformed talent into national excellence. May this achievement ignite greater aspirations among our youth to serve society and strengthen the democratic fabric of our nation." The flag-off ceremony was conducted by Prof. Majid Zaman, Controller of Examinations, in the presence of Prof. Pervez Ahmad, Dean, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Prof. Seema Singh, Dean Students' Welfare. Prof. Imtiyaz Ahmed, Chief Proctor, Faculty members, university officials, students, and parents of the winning students gathered to extend their best wishes to the team for this momentous national recognition. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Majid Zaman congratulated the students on their remarkable achievement and said: "This accomplishment is a matter of immense pride for the University of Kashmir and the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Being honoured at Parliament House reflects the dedication, discipline and intellectual excellence of our students. I wish the team every success and hope they continue to inspire future generations." Prof. Seema Singh, Dean Students' Welfare, described the occasion as a historic milestone for the University. She said: "Our students have demonstrated exceptional talent, confidence, and democratic values through their outstanding performance. Their national recognition is a testament to the University's commitment to nurturing leadership, responsible citizenship, and holistic development. We are immensely proud of their achievement." Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Pervez Ahmad, Dean School of Earth and Environmental Sciences said: "The Youth Parliament platform equips students with a deep understanding of democratic institutions, constitutional values and public policy. This national honour showcases the academic excellence and leadership potential of our students, and I congratulate every member of the team for bringing laurels to the University." Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer and Coordinator, National Youth Parliament, expressed gratitude to the University administration for its unwavering support and said: "This achievement is the result of months of rigorous preparation, teamwork and commitment displayed by our students. Receiving the National Championship Award at Parliament House is a rare honour and a defining moment in the University's history. We dedicate this success to the University of Kashmir and remain committed to inspiring more students to participate in nation-building through democratic engagement." The University community expressed confidence that the team would represent the institution with dignity and distinction while receiving the National Championship Award at Parliament House, New Delhi, bringing further glory to the University of Kashmir.
Srinagar, June 22: National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar Monday organised a seminar titled “The Power Sector in India: Addressing Emerging Challenges in the Power Sector, Sustainable Energy Development, Loss Minimization, Workforce Adequacy with Special Reference to the J&K System. The event was organised by Dean Alumni and International Affairs under the Alumni Back to Classroom (ABC) initiative and was held at Hi-Tech 5 which brought together alumni, faculty members, engineers, and students for an in-depth discussion on India’s evolving power sector and the specific challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir. The event was presided over by Mrs. Rao, Former Professor of Delhi University, and coordinated by Dr. H. S. Pali (Civil Eng, NIT Srinagar.) The first technical session was delivered by Er. K. Ashok Rao, an alumnus from the early batches of NIT Srinagar. Recalling the Institution’s early years in the 1960s, Er Rao highlighted the challenges students faced due to limited laboratory infrastructure, forcing them to travel to other institutions such as Thapar University for practical training. He traced the evolution of India’s power sector from conventional fossil-fuel-based steam generation to modern and diversified energy systems. Er Rao also discussed the limitations of early solar-thermal technologies and stressed the importance of achieving energy self-sufficiency in India. The second technical session was presented by Er. Peerzada Hidayatullah, Assistant Engineer, JKPDD, and Vice Chairman of AIPEF, who focused on the power sector challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. He outlined the historical growth of the J&K Power Development Department and highlighted major achievements in electricity infrastructure expansion from 1988 to 2026, including the electrification of far-flung areas such as Ladakh and Kargil. Er Hidayatullah said that Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses in Jammu and Kashmir have reduced substantially from nearly 75–80 percent in 1988 to around 30–35 percent in 2026. He also spoke about expanding transformer capacity, increasing solar power integration, and sustaining engineering efforts to curb power theft. Earlier, Dean AIA, Prof. M. A. Shah said that energy demand in the coming decade is expected to rise significantly, making discussions on sustainable energy and power-sector reforms highly relevant for students, engineers, and policymakers alike. He emphasized the importance of strengthening alumni engagement with the institute, stating that initiatives like ABC help reconnect former students with their alma mater and create opportunities for mentorship, professional guidance, and career growth for current students, especially those from modest backgrounds. In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, said that the power sector is undergoing a transformational phase driven by technological advancements, renewable energy integration and rising energy demand. He said academic institutions like NIT Srinagar have a crucial role in preparing future engineers to address challenges related to sustainability, grid resilience, and energy efficiency. Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman emphasized the importance of industry-academia collaboration in addressing real-world challenges in critical sectors such as power and energy. He lauded the efforts of the Dean Alumni and International Affairs office for organizing impactful academic interactions under the ABC initiative. A documentary on the first Electrical Power Station of Mohra was also screened during the event. On behalf of the Alumni Association, Er. Farhan Manzoor felicitated dozens of Electrical Engineers, including Gold Medalist Er. Hurayasrab (AEE). During the programme, Mr Anand Prakash (Physics)- shared his inspiring journey from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, to NIT Srinagar, highlighting how education transformed his life and enabled upward social mobility. The guest speakers, including Er. K. Ashok Rao, Er. Peerzada Hidayatullah and other engineers from JKPDD were felicitated by Prof. M. A. Shah for their valuable contributions. The event was efficiently hosted and coordinated by Aswa Shah, Master’s Intern, who conducted the proceedings and presented a formal vote of thanks to dignitaries. Students from Crescent Public School, G.D. Goenka, Green Valley, and Kashmir Harvard also attended the seminar.
