UGC holds interface meeting at KU

Colleges have been ignored by and large: Prof Punjabi

An expert committee from the University Grants Commission ( UGC) headed by Prof Jairap Singh, VC Central University Amritsar today interacted with principals of J&K Colleges in the conference hall of the Ghandi Bhawan , to assess their requirements and recommend grants for their general development in the 11^th plan.

Prof M Y Shah State Coordinator UGC , , Prof. K.R Iqbal Ahmad, Dr. Pushpinder Walia, Dr. Gita Sharma, Mr. Mohd Yaseem, Mr. Subhash Chandra and Mr. G.G Gera representing UGC were present in the meeting besides collage principals of J&K state. The meeting which will continue for the second day tomorrow will assess the proposals of the collage principals and later recommend the grants for their general development .

Later interacting with the convener of the UGC committee Prof Jairap Singh , Vice chancellor Kashmir University Prof Riyaz Punjabi said that it is sad to note that Colleges have been ignored by and large all over the country. He said that the Government is satisfied only to control the Colleges administratively. However said VC Kashmir University has taken major initiatives in improving the academic content and infrastructural development of the Colleges in Kashmir valley. KU Registrar and Dean Students welfare Prof Syed Fayaz , Prof Nisar Ahmad Shah , Dean College Development Council and Prof M Y Shah State Coordinator UGC were present during the interaction of the convenor with VC. Prof Nisar Ahmad Shah(DCDC) talked about the establishment of community and multi campus Colleges in Kashmir, budget head for software solutions ,one time assistance for grant of laboratories, libraries and computers and equipping Colleges with potential for excellence.

Collage principals believe that there will be a quantum jump in the amount sanctioned grants this time compared to the 10th Plan by UGC. Colleges were earlier asked to submit proposals regarding construction of new buildings separately to the UGC. Colleges have to adhere to the UGC norms when it comes to spending the grant given by the UGC so that they can benefit from the grant.