Srinagar: Mission Youth, J&K conducted a conference of Nodal Officers from all J&K Universities for finalising youth-centric projects under the Universities Collaboration Initiative- a flagship programme approved by the Governing Body headed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, last month, which endeavours to provide support to youth for education ,research, innovation, sports, employment and other sectors.
CEO Mission Youth and Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary addressed the participants and discussed an overview of the initiative apart from sharing feedback on several proposals received from Universities. He informed that projects under Universities Collaboration Initiative will be considered and approved on a monthly basis to provide timely support to students and research scholars.
Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University, Jammu Prof Ashok Aima addressed the University Nodal Officers underling the importance of joint research initiatives, youth engagement and skill development programmes apart from sharing of best practices between universities with a focus on youth empowerment and building their capabilities.
The conference was attended by Nodal Officers appointed by all the universities of J&K appointed for project formulation and implementation under the “Universities Collaboration Initiative” launched by Mission Youth, J&K for providing platform to the aspirations and innovations of young students and research scholars. Detailed presentations were made by the nodal officers for various youth centric proposals.
Dr Geer M Ishaq, Director in Kashmir University presented the action plan of university under Mission Youth which includes Centre for Career Planning and Counselling, 15 research and publication projects, organising seminars and conferences, sports competitions, green campus initiative, internship and fellowships in different sectors.
Dr Abdul High Shah highlighted various programmes for youth particularly in innovation, student exchange programmes, sports, fellowships and a host of other activities. Dr Jaya Bhasin and Dr Shahid Mushtaq from Central University Jammu briefed the committee about several projects proposed under Mission Youth which include setting up of a Language Academy, residential coaching programme, skill development programmes, sports leagues and infrastructure and individual student support programme.
Prof Parmil Kumar, Mission Youth nodal officer from Jammu University projected eco-technological solutions and end-to-end solid waste management initiative of JU, Coaching programme for competitive examinations, Chancellors sports trophy, and various other initiatives aimed at providing the required platforms to university students. He also highlighted on the need for youth engagement on local art like Basohli paintings.
Dr Anisa Jan from Islamic University, Kashmir projected the catchment area youth engagement initiatives wherein University will undertake various youth centric activities in the area apart from in-campus projects with Mission Youth. Dr Rakesh Sharma from SKUAST-J highlighted the projects proposed by the University for innovation, sports, fellowships, seminars and workshops in the campuses of Agriculture and Veterinary science among other departments.
BGSB University Rajouri proposed to establish competitive examinations coaching facility, research projects and special focussed programmes for youth in twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch which the University proposed to coordinate.
Tabish Saleem, OSD Mission Youth introduced the participants and conducted the proceedings. He briefed the university nodal officers about various thematic areas, planning process, selection of projects and funding pattern apart from broad contours of the scheme.
CEO Mission Youth complimented the universities for coming up with innovative projects expected to have tremendous outcomes viz a viz youth aspirations. He also stressed on student exchange programme with universities in other States/UTs and abroad. Highlighting the importance of action research he called upon the Universities to collaborate with Mission Youth for socio-economic and developmental policies framework at various levels. He also complimented OSD Tabish Saleem for his efforts in Universities’ collaboration.
