 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 27: Prof. K. S. Chandrasekar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu (CLUJ), called on the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, marking the completion of his first year in office. He apprised the Hon'ble LG of the key achievements, ongoing reforms, and future roadmap envisioned for the university. Prof. Chandrasekar was accompanied by Prof. Mobin Mohammed, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Srinagar, who shared insights on the functioning and challenges faced by Cluster Universities in the Union Territory.
During his first year, Prof. Chandrasekar, with the dedicated support of his core team including Ms. Ankur Mahajan (Registrar), Shri Nagesh Jamwal (Financial Advisor), Dr. Ranvijay Singh (Controller of Examinations), Dr. Satvinder Kaur (Dean Research), Prof. D. S. Manhas (Dean Student Welfare), Dr. Chander Shekhar (Dean Sciences), Dr. Zubair Kales (Dean Education), Dr. Vishal Sharma (Dean Social Sciences), and Dr. Monika Sharma (Dean Humanities and Arts) launched several transformative initiatives.
Significant milestones include AICTE approval for new BBA and BCA programs, the relaunch of the School of Engineering and Technology, the introduction of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect program, and the granting of research guideships to all eligible college faculty. A "mercy chance" examination for students from 2017 onwards is scheduled for completion in November 2025. The university successfully convened key statutory bodies, including the Finance Committee, Syndicate, and Academic Council, while awaiting the University Council meeting.
The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) was revitalized under the leadership of Dr. Meenakshi Bandral, and eight MoUs were signed with reputed institutions, with eight more under process to promote the "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" initiative. Under the guidance of Dr. Vinod Bakshi, Director Sports, a comprehensive sports policy was drafted, with enhanced incentives for student athletes.
A major placement drive, conducted with Desh Bhagat University, saw 270 job offers among 3,700 participants. The first Duggar Utsav organized in collaboration with Senior Citizens Support Services was widely appreciated and is set to become an annual cultural feature.
Prof. Chandrasekar also announced upcoming initiatives including "Design Your Degree" programs, new courses in Semiconductor Technology, Renewable Energy, Aquatic Biology, and Digital Hindi Journalism, in collaboration with industry and national institutes. The newly allotted campus at Badherva, Samba, will soon be developed for residential and niche academic programs, alongside plans for the university's first Convocation next year.
He emphasized that the university's progress reflects the collective commitment of its Deans, Directors, Principals, faculty, and staff, and reaffirmed CLUJ's vision to foster innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence in higher education. |
