Shadow Correpondent
Jammu, May, 09
Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, Higher Education Council, Government of Jammu and Kashmir today highlighted the transformative potential of the Design your Degree program in reshaping educational paradigms, aligning seamlessly with the objectives of the National Education Policy.
“This initiative marks a significant shift towards holistic learning and skill development”, Prof Dinesh Singh said while chairing a meeting of the Vice-Chancellors of various universities of the Union Territory at the University of Jammu campus.
Alok Kumar, IRS, Principal Secretary Higher Education Department, Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor University of Jammu, Prof Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, VC IUST, Prof. Akbar Masood, Vice Chancellor, BGSBU, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor SMVDU, Prof. Kavi Arya, IIT Mumbai, Prof. Revender Kumar Tickoo, Principal, Women Parade College, Jammu, Dr. Yasmeen Ashai, Director Colleges, J&K, Prof. Sheikh, Ajaz Bashir, Principal Amar Singh College, Srinagar, Prof. Naresh Padha, Prof. Alka Sharma, Director, SIIEDC, Prof. Sadaf Shah, Prof. Jatinder Manhas, Prof. Azmat Alam Kahan, OSD to VC SKUAST -K, Prof. A. A. Shah, DAA BGSBU, Prof. Qayoom Ahmed, Coordinator DYD, Islamia College, Srinagar, Prof. Sachin Gupta, SKUAST Jammu, Dr. R. K. Srivastava, SKUAST Jammu, Prof. Vikas Tandon, Dean Horticulture, SKUAST Jammu, Prof. Anil Kumar, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Sh. Guneet Singh Soodan, OSD to Vice Chairman Higher Education Council attended the meeting.
The meeting assessed the preparedness for implementing the Design Your Degree program across universities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Underscoring the paramount importance of this program, Prof Singh said that it spearheads academic innovations and embodies the core ethos of the National Education Policy.
Prof. Singh reiterated that the Design your Degree program acts as a catalyst for advancing academic programs by strategically implementing innovative approaches. Within a comprehensive four-year framework, students have the opportunity to explore various educational paths, fostering informed decision-making and personal growth, he added.
During the initial phases, the program provides students with a transformative educational journey, establishing a broad foundation for holistic development. Guided by the National Education Policy principles, this immersive experience equips students with the adaptability and insight required to navigate dynamic academic environments effectively, he said.
Prof. Singh emphasized the universal adoption of the Design Your Degree program across all educational institutions.
Referring to the concerns regarding disciplinary implications, he reaffirmed the program’s commitment to invigorating and modernizing all academic disciplines, ensuring relevance and dynamism in curriculum delivery.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Design Your Degree program, with special emphasis on pedagogy and faculty preparedness.
The Vice Chancellors of the various Universities gave a detailed presentation and comments concerning the progress of the DYD in their respective institutions with special emphasis on pedagogy and faculty preparedness. Deliberations also included the requirements for revamping the program and capacity-building programs to create awareness.
Prof Dinesh Singh articulated the need for generating awareness and readiness among the parents, students and the faculty of various higher education institutions in Jammu and Kashmir towards the “Design Your Degree” program.
In a bid to showcase the initiatives already undertaken by institutions such as the University of Jammu and IUST, who have already started this program, Professor Singh prepossessed activities aimed at gaining public recognition within and outside the Union Territory. He put forth significant proposals aimed at advancing the educational landscape in the Union Territory.
Various issues with a focus on bringing collaboration, awareness and effective implementation of educational reforms shall also be deliberated upon in a meeting to be chaired by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor JKUT.
Prof. Singh suggested organizing an activity in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce. This event would serve as a platform to discuss and showcase the evolving landscape of education in the Union Territory, particularly through programs like “Design Your Degree.” By involving key stakeholders from various sectors, this activity aims to highlight the role of education in driving socio-economic development.
Given the transformative nature of Design Your Degree program, discussions also centered on dovetailing it with existing programs and enhancing inter-institutional coordination to effectively implement the National Education Policy.
Prof Singh also proposed the formation of an Inter-Institutional Coordination Committee to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with a specific emphasis on the role of “Design Your Degree.” Under this initiative, all higher education institutions in Jammu are urged to nominate two faculty members from their respective institutions.
These representatives will convene monthly meetings to discuss and coordinate the implementation of NEP 2020 initiatives, with a focus on the innovative aspects of “Design Your Degree.”
Besides the various other issues deliberated, matters pertaining to financial and administrative aspects for the successful implementation of the National Education Policy were also discussed.
