CUK holds 16th Academic Council, takes decisions for academic excellence

Ganderbal: Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) on Tuesday convened its 16th Academic Council (AC) meeting at Tulmulla Campus with Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath in chair.
Reaffirming the university’s commitment to academic innovation and inclusive education, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, in his opening address to the members, highlighted the University’s continuous academic and research advancements, and emphasized CUKashmir’s unwavering commitment to align with National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020), citing numerous structural reforms, academic policy revisions in the recent academic sessions.
Prof. A Ravinder Nath also presented key initiatives rolled out during the current academic session. He introduced student-centric policies that echoed the university’s motto of accessibility, excellence, and innovation, to the Academic Council members.
Prof. A Ravinder Nath said the “Earn While Learn” scheme marks a ground-breaking shift in student engagement, allowing students to gain work experience and financial support while continuing their studies. As Academic and Outreach Interns the students will get work experience in varied fields “from library assistants to tech support roles and campus services, students now have access to meaningful work engagements that promote self-reliance, time management, and real-world skills,” he said. The Council while approving the same hailed this move as a “win-win” for both institutional efficiency and student empowerment.
He further added that the Student Aid Fund (SAF) aims to bridge the financial gap for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. “Designed to ensure that no deserving student is left behind, the fund provides financial assistance based on merit-cum-means, especially in cases of unforeseen hardship or economic distress,” he added. “These welfare schemes not only embody the ideals of inclusive education but also reflect CUK’s moral commitment to social equity.”
The Academic Council appreciated the holistic implementation of reforms in line with NEP-2020, demonstrating the university’s proactive role in national educational transformation.
Prof. A Ravinder Nath also informed the members about international and national MoUs, including partnerships with: Lincoln University, Malaysia, Universitas Hindu Negeri, Indonesia, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, University of Kashmir and INFLIBNET Centre, Gujarat for the promotion of faculty and student exchange, joint research, and shared academic resources.
The Council also approved the start of many new schools, departments and launch of new demand driven programmes in the coming years. These include the introduction of M. Tech in Civil Engineering, MBA (Executive), Master’s in Psychology, and M.A. in Educational Technology, Educational Administration, among others being started from the next academic session. “These programmes cater to emerging fields and professional demands, equipping students with contemporary skills,” CUKashmir VC added. The revised course structure as per NEP-2020 and curriculum of all the programmes offered by CUKashmir was also approved by the council.
Prof. Kshiti Bhusan Das, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jharkhand, Prof. K V Rao, Professor, Osmania University, Prof. M Vanaja, Professor, Dean School of Education, MANUU, Dr. Suman David, Professor. National Institute of Technology, Karnataka, Prof. Vijay Bhaskar Reddy and Prof. Dashavantha Redyy, Osmania University (Special Invitees), Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, Controller of Examinations, Finance Officer, Librarian, Deans of Schools, Heads and Coordinators of departments, senior faculty members, and administrative staff attended the meeting. While endorsing the agenda the members expressed great satisfaction about the growth of the University and were impressed by the recent unique initiatives taken by the University, which they believe will help the university achieve excellence in the coming years. Earlier, the external members planted saplings inside the campus to mark the Earth Day 2025. The programme was organised by Dr. Muhammad Latief, Officer In-charge, Division of Landscape and Green Mission.