J-K Government reconstitutes Higher Education Council

SRINAGAR — The J&K Government has reconstituted the Higher Education Council for two years which is to be headed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

The HEC has been constituted to guide the government on policy-making and innovations in the Higher Education Department.

The order ‘Reconstitution of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Council (JKHEC) Reference: U.O No. GAD-CORD/180/2021; dated 19.09.2022’ by General Administration Department said that sanction is accorded to the re-constitution of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Council (JKHEC) with the following composition: Government Order No: 219-JK(HE) of 2022; Dated: 30-09-2022; Lieutenant Governor of J&K as Chairman.

In his absence, the Council will be presided over by the Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor looking after Higher Education.

Dr Dinesh Singh, former Vice Chancellor, Delhi University; Chief Secretary, J&K; Administrative Secretary, Department of Higher Education, J&K; Joint Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Education; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof. Nilofar Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Prof. Shakeel Ahmed Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora; Prof. Akbar Masood, Vice Chancellor, BGSBU, Rajouri; Prof. Nazma Akhter, Vice Chancellor, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi; Prof. G. Rangarajan, Director, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangaluru; Dr Kavi Arya, Professor of Computer Science, IIT Bombay; Dr Aijaz Ahmed Sheikh, Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar; Dr Vishal Sharma, GDC Bani are among the members.

According to the order, the Chairman of the JKHEC may nominate any other member to the committee who, in his opinion, can further the cause of Higher Education in J&K. The term of the Council shall be for a period of two years.

Terms of reference/functions of the J&K Higher Education Council shall be to offer guidance and advice on the formulation of policy for a comprehensive and holistic, transformation of the Higher Education sector in tune with NEP 2020 while also providing advice on specific matters to the Government and to the Universities, research institutions and other centres of Higher Education in the UT for formulation and implementation of policies. “Strategize and steer expansion of the Higher Education Institutions, evolve new concepts and programs for creating an industry-ready workforce in consonance with the 21st century needs and rapidly changing technologies.”

The Higher Education Council will also suggest improvements in curriculum and syllabi including advice on the introduction of new courses in accordance with changing academic and industry requirements, review periodically the statutes, ordinances and regulations of the Universities of the UT and suggest appropriate changes for the realization of the objectives of NEP-2020. “Promote framework for institutional accountability through a proper regulatory system.”

“Advise improvising the standards of examinations and suggest reforms, devise a mechanism for the social audit process and public feedback on performance and achievements and assist in assessing the existing infrastructural facilities of Institutions recommend additional facilities where ever required,” it said.

“Facilitate coordination between UT universities and other universities of the country and abroad to promote innovation and research and quality up gradation. Help develop programs for greater academic cooperation and interaction between university teachers and college teachers. To act as the Higher Education Council for the performance of functions as required by guidelines of the Rashtriya Uchhtar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA),” the order reads.