Srinagar : Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive and forward-looking roadmap to enhance the higher education sector in Jammu and Kashmir during a high-level meeting.
Chairing a high level meeting held today under his chairmanship Chief Secretary urged the Higher Education Department to develop a strategic plan spanning 5 to 10 years, aimed at improving the quality of higher education and aligning it with current academic, technological, and market demands. Dulloo highlighted the importance of revising the curriculum to focus on skill development, industry relevance, and aspirational goals. He called for the redesign of outdated courses and the introduction of new, market-oriented programs to better prepare students for emerging job opportunities. The Chief Secretary stressed that the ultimate goal of higher education should be to cultivate a generation that is employable rather than one that faces challenges in securing jobs after graduation. He recommended that the Department seek guidance from the Union Ministry of Education, NITI Aayog, and the Higher Education Council to enhance policy alignment and institutional excellence. Additionally, he pointed out the need for the Department to prioritize human resource management in its reform strategy, ensuring that staff are motivated, well-supported, and adequately trained. Building institutional capacity and nurturing a skilled workforce were identified as critical components for achieving educational excellence. The Additional Chief Secretary for Higher Education, Shantmanu, reported significant advancements in infrastructure, financial management, and student enrollment, with a total of 287,663 students currently enrolled in higher education institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. The Department has also made notable progress in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, becoming one of the first Union Territories to adopt the 4-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) with multiple entry-exit options and an Academic Bank of Credits. The Department is focusing on infrastructure expansion and modernization, with a capital expenditure plan of Rs 500 crore, of which Rs 270.61 crore has been released. Major ongoing projects include the construction and upgrading of classrooms, multi-purpose halls, hostel blocks, and science labs. Furthermore, efforts are underway to digitize libraries, develop playgrounds, and establish research hubs. The Department reported strong financial performance under central schemes, with 38 out of 74 project targets completed as of October 30, 2025. A cumulative expenditure of Rs 430.40 crore reflects a 94% utilization rate of the funds released by the Central and UT Governments. To ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects by March 2026, an additional Rs 251.92 crore is projected to be required from the Government of India. In conclusion, the Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and student-centric reforms, directing the Department to adopt a mission-oriented approach to position higher education in Jammu and Kashmir as a model of quality, innovation, and employability in the future.
