Jammu and Kashmir is undertaking a comprehensive strategy to transform its higher education sector, with a particular emphasis on implementing the ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD) program and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the curriculum. The initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship, enhance skills, and develop human capital in line with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
The Chenab Times has learned that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Council (JKHEC) in Jammu to deliberate on these critical agendas. During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor directed for the effective, on-ground implementation of innovative programs, including skill development and AI initiatives, across all higher educational institutions in the Union Territory.
The ‘Design Your Degree’ program, a key component of the educational reform, seeks to provide students with greater flexibility and choice in shaping their academic paths. The adoption of its official manual across universities is intended to standardize its implementation and ensure its benefits reach all students. The integration of IT and AI into the curriculum is viewed as essential for preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce and fostering a knowledge-based economy.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha stressed the importance of establishing benchmarks that align with both national and international standards, aiming to position Jammu and Kashmir’s education sector as a model of excellence. He also called for seamless synergy between central and Union Territory educational institutions to drive a holistic transformation.
Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman of the JKHEC, articulated that the council’s core mission is the realization of human potential, ensuring that higher education directly contributes to societal service and enhances student productivity. The council also discussed setting up a regular mechanism to foster cooperation and collaboration among various institutions within Jammu and Kashmir. This collaboration is intended to facilitate joint degree programs and the development of a common technology-based platform for sharing best practices, ideas, and institutional programs.
Further discussions during the meeting included strategies to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), special initiatives such as ‘The Riverine College,’ and an AI competition. The council also reviewed the JKHEC budget utilization for the fiscal year 2025-26 and discussed budget allocations for 2026-27.
Vice Chancellors and members of the Council shared their insights on the future direction of the DYD program and additional interventions in higher education, particularly in light of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The meeting was attended by a number of key academic and administrative figures, including Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director of Colleges, J&K; Dr Seema Naz, Nodal Principal, Government College of Education; Dr Ravinder Kumar Tickoo, Principal, GCW Parade Jammu; Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Administrative Secretary, Skill Development; Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department; and Vice Chancellors from various prominent universities such as the University of Jammu, Kashmir University, IUST, SMVDU, SKUAST Jammu, Central University of Kashmir, Central University of Jammu, BGSBU, and Cluster University Srinagar. Directors from IIT Jammu and IIT Bombay, as well as a representative from Delhi University, also participated.
The Chenab Times News Desk