CM urges graduates to become entrepreneurs, value creator
Assures support for startup ecosystem and access to credit
Jammu | Nov,14:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday called for strengthening academic infrastructure, improving digital connectivity and ensuring timely examinations in universities, asserting that students should not lose academic years due to administrative delays.
Addressing the first convocation of Cluster University of Jammu at Abhinav Theatre, the Chief Minister described the institution as an important educational experiment aimed at bringing together established academic institutions and promoting multidisciplinary learning.
Congratulating the graduating students and gold medallists, Abdullah said they were pioneers whose achievements would lay the foundation for future generations. He also acknowledged the contribution of parents, families and teachers in shaping their academic journeys.
Highlighting the university’s distinctive structure, he said it was conceived as a collegiate federation bringing together five institutions—GGM Science College, MAM College, SPMR College of Commerce, Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, and Government College of Education.
He said pooling academic resources, faculty, libraries and laboratories had created opportunities for collaborative learning and academic growth.
Referring to the university’s placement in the 151–200 band of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), Abdullah termed it an encouraging achievement but stressed the need for sustained investment in common infrastructure, modern laboratories, hostels and digital facilities.
He particularly highlighted the need to improve facilities for students from far-flung areas, including Poonch, Rajouri, Doda and Kishtwar.
Emphasising the importance of academic discipline, the Chief Minister said examination schedules and academic calendars must be streamlined so that students do not suffer delays in completing their degrees.
“My government is committed to providing our universities with the necessary institutional support, academic autonomy, faculty strength and infrastructure to enable them to become genuine centres of knowledge, innovation and regional problem-solving,” he said.
Addressing the graduating students, Abdullah said rapid technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, were changing the employment landscape and making continuous learning, critical thinking and adaptability essential.
He urged graduates to move beyond conventional career choices and explore entrepreneurship, innovation and emerging economic opportunities.
“Sustainable prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir will come when our youth move beyond being exclusively job seekers and become value creators, innovators and entrepreneurs,” he said.
Identifying agribusiness, food processing, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, renewable energy, disaster resilience and the digital economy as sectors with considerable potential, the Chief Minister asked young graduates to utilise their academic knowledge to establish enterprises and generate employment.
He said agricultural products such as basmati rice, Bhaderwahrajmash, saffron, walnuts, kaladi and citrus fruits offered significant opportunities for value addition, branding and access to wider markets.
Abdullah said the government was committed to strengthening the startup ecosystem, simplifying clearances and improving access to credit to encourage young entrepreneurs.
He also stressed the importance of integrity, dignity of labour, social responsibility and mental and physical well-being, urging graduates to remain connected with their communities and preserve Jammu and Kashmir’s pluralistic cultural ethos.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the university’s first graduating batches would contribute meaningfully to society and play an important role in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
He later joined other dignitaries in presenting medals and certificates to graduating students.
