SRINAGAR: In Jammu and Kashmir, nearly 60 percent of colleges are yet to obtain NAAC accreditation, raising questions about curriculum coverage and teaching-learning processes in higher education institutions.
An official document states, “Out of 147 colleges, presently 59 colleges have been granted National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation.”
The Kashmir University secured the 48th rank, and the Jammu University secured the 66th rank among the top 100 universities in the country, according to the India Rankings 2021 by the Ministry of Education.
Regarding quality assurance, the official documents emphasise that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) need NAAC accreditation to assess conformity to quality standards, including performance in educational processes and outcomes, curriculum coverage, teaching-learning processes, faculty, research, infrastructure, learning resources, organisation, governance, financial well-being, and student services.
The document mentions initiatives such as virtual labs and mass media communication labs established by the department.
The government has identified 16 Government Degree Colleges (GDCs) to start B.VOC, and 14 more GDCs have been identified for establishing Centres for Invention, Innovation, Incubation, and Training to enhance youth employability.
“At least 30 colleges are in the process of starting research activities by establishing research hubs under the Hub and Spoke model,” the document states.
Additionally, 50 colleges have been identified to offer skill courses of level-4 of the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) from the basket of the skill sector council.
Regarding development and welfare programs, authorities emphasize that higher education will focus on various welfare programs. (KNO)
