Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired the 19th meeting of the University Council of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J), here at Raj Bhavan.The Council, led by the Lt Governor took several important decisions for making interventions for the advancement and development of the University and bringing qualitative improvement in its overall functioning.The Lt Governor directed for evaluating the impact of the University’s programmes and extension activities contributing to the government’s efforts in increasing the farmers’ income, transformation in Agriculture & allied sectors. SKUAST to play an important role in enhancing the quality of life for farmers, access to appropriate technology, training and networks necessary to transform the agricultural landscape in the UT of J&K.Taking strict note of the delays being made in conducting the audits of the university for the previous years, the Lt Governor passed strict directions to conduct the Audit on a regular basis, besides engaging the internal auditors for financial discipline.Issues of urgent importance must be flagged so that timely action can be taken to address the same, the Lt Governor told the University Administration.The Lt Governor advised for conducting a conference of seed producers by involving farmers, local entrepreneurs and private players from across the country for assessing the seed quality and spreading general awareness among the farming community in this regard.The Lt Governor asked the University to give a dedicated focus on encouraging extension of technology from the Lab to the Field and making the farmers aware about the latest technologies developed by the University.While enquiring about the progress being made in establishment of Advanced Centre for Horticulture Research in Jammu, the chair was informed that the effort to boost hi-tech cultivation of fruits has picked up pace with 70% of the work stands completed.Directions were also passed for taking on-ground assessment of functioning of KVKs, following guidelines of ICAR in letter & spirit, and commencing the operations of sanctioned Community radios at the earliest.The members of the Council made valuable suggestions and recommendations pertaining to adoption of New Education Policy 2020; publicizing University’s projects having commercial viability and conducting extensive IEC activities so that maximum beneficiaries can reap the benefits of agricultural related schemes and programmes.Prof. J. P. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-J apprised the Lt Governor about the achievements of faculty members and students, besides the outreach and research activities, reforms undertaken in academics, financial systems, and Administrative sectors.The meeting discussed important agenda items on the recommendations of different statutory bodies of the University viz. Reservation in teaching and equivalent positions of SKUAST-Jammu; carving of Faculty of Horticulture from Faculty of Agriculture and institutionalization of BSc Horticulture Programme; implementation of Jammu and Kashmir rules in Non-teaching positions, adoption of SO 192 and SO 184 of UT of J&K.Sh. Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Sh. Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance department; Sh. Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare; Sh. Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Ms. Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department; Prof. P.L. Gautam, Pro Chancellor, CPU Hamirpur; Dr MC Sharma, former Director and VC ICAR,-IVRI, Bareilly, UP; Dr. Jag Paul Sharma, Registrar SKUAST-J; Prof. Gul Zaffar, Registrar SKUAST-K and other concerned officers remained present during the meeting.
