A delegation comprising of faculty members and administrative staff of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Jammu called on Brig Veteran Anil Gupta, Spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party to discuss a few pending issues related to the premier institution of the region. In a press release issued by the party, it has been intimated that the delegation raised mainly two issues regarding the renaming of the University and the appointment of the University’s Vice- Chancellor (VC).
The delegation felt aggrieved of the fact that despite the demand for renaming the University being very old the name has remained unchanged. The members felt that the University deserves a separate identity and should be named after a local personality. Brig Gupta assured the delegation that BJP has been pursuing this issue since long and he was happy to inform them that the process has almost been completed and the University would be renamed soon. The delegation felt elated and expressed their happiness and hoped that the assurance would turn into reality without much delay.
The other issue which is lingering on since 2019 and the University has been without a regular VC since then is classic example of adhocism in the system felt the delegation. It was highlighted that SKUAST Jammu is without a regular vice chancellor since March 2019. A selection committee was constituted by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir for drawing a panel for the selection of VC for SKUAST, Jammu vide government order No. 152-Agri of 2019 dated 21.08.2019. The members of this expert committee were Dr K P Singh vice chancellor Haryana Agricultural University (Convener of the Search Committee); Dr T. Mahapatra, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research; Dr Punjab Singh Nominee of the UGC chairman and Atal Dullo Financial Commissioner Jammu and Kashmir Government. The Committee is believed to have met on two or three occasions ever since its appointment but has failed to submit its report to the government. After confirmation from the sources, Brig Gupta informed the delegation that in its last meeting held in March 2020 the committee has finalised the panel of candidates for the post of VC, SKUAST, Jammu. The final decision of the government is awaited.
The delegation felt that they are aware of the government’s pre-occupation with managing the Covid pandemic but the appointment of a regular VC also deserves government’s urgent attention. Brig Gupta assured the delegation that party would raise the issue with Honourable LG and request him to appoint a regular VC as soon as possible since the absence of a regular VC affects the development of the academic and administrative infrastructure of the University. The delegation felt satisfied and left after exchange of pleasantries.