Bagla, Samba, 10 May: Dr. Jitendra Singh Hon’bleUnion Minister for Development of North Eastern Region(Independent Charge), PMO Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dept. of Atomic Energy and Dept. of Science visited the Central University of Jammu(Bagla). He was accompanied by Sh. Chandra Prakash Ganga, Hon’ble Minister for Industry and Commerce, Jammu and Kashmir.

On the arrival of the Guests, Er. R.P. Gupta, Executive Engineer, Central University of Jammu briefed about the ongoing development activities.

Dr. Singh suggested that University should have its unique identity and be a centre of Excellence in the field of Higher Education. while addressing the galaxy of faculty members and not-teaching staff of Central University of Jammu at their main Campus(Bagla), Dr. Singh suggested to start three distinct departments viz. Department of Space Technology, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Earth Sciences.

He also emphasised on the more visibility of the Central University of Jammu among people by visiting schools and colleges so that people would come to know about its existence and importance. He advised to invite people from various fields who can provide hands on experience to the students in their respective fields. He also suggested to the Vice Chancellor that faculty and research scholars of the University should reside in the campus which is practiced in most national and international Universities. He stressed to immediately shift the departments to the main campus and make it academically functional.

A very well thought suggestion was given by the honourable minister to involve civil society in the functioning of the university which will not only link it with the community but also work as ‘buffer space’ to the university.

Speaking in the same tone, Mr. Chandra Prakash Ganga, assured the University for complete support from the state in every sphere. He stressed that with academics, skill development of the students is also important and the ministry would be happy to organise such skill development training programmes in the campus.

Prof. Ashok Aima, Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Jammu also gave a brief account of the development work in the university and informed the gathering that the number of applicants for admission to the various programmes of the university has increased three fold. He also praised the Union Minister for taking interest so passionately in the development of the University. He mentioned about signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among three Central universities – Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and Jammu.

Prof. Lokesh Verma, Academic Coordinator and Head, Department of Educational Studies coordinated the proceedings of the programme. Shri Jit Singh, Registrar, Central University of Jammu extended the vote of thanks.