SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired the 37th meeting of the Executive Council of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) at its Kakryal campus in Katra, where the council gave in-principle approval for a 200-bed boys’ hostel and two new academic programmes.
The hostel will be funded by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), with the university directed to prepare a detailed project report.
The council also approved in principle the introduction of B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and B.Tech in Food Technology. It suggested exploring the possibility of offering an LL.B. programme in combination with science and commerce streams.
The Executive Council adopted the university’s budget proposals for 2026-27 and the final audit report for 2024-25. It also approved enhanced financial assistance for students participating in national and international conferences, workshops and other academic events.
The council approved completion and development of the university’s sports complex in collaboration with the SMVDSB to provide sports facilities for students and employees. It also decided to prepare a five-year roadmap for the university based on a viable operating model, in consultation with the Academic Council and Finance Committee.
The university’s proposed Kulgeet, or institutional anthem, was also adopted by the council.
The meeting reviewed the university’s academic, administrative and financial progress, besides initiatives planned for the forthcoming academic sessions. It ratified the nomination of external members to the Executive Council and Academic Council and reviewed the status of major ongoing and completed construction projects, directing that the pending works be completed in a timely manner.
Sinha, who is also the Chancellor of SMVDU, directed the university administration to organise counselling, mental health and value-based awareness programmes for students. He also suggested subscribing to online counselling platforms to strengthen student support.
The Lieutenant Governor suggested academic relaxation for NSS and NCC students selected to represent the university at events of national importance and recommended awarding additional academic credits in recognition of their achievements.
He also called for the introduction of industry-linked vocational courses that could be delivered by university faculty and external experts and made available to students irrespective of minimum eligibility criteria.
Vice Chancellor Prof Pragati Kumar briefed the council on admissions, recruitment, faculty career advancement, ongoing construction projects and new academic programmes proposed for the upcoming academic year.
The meeting was attended by Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir Prof Nilofer Khan, Ahmedabad University Vice Chancellor and Board of Management Chairman Prof Pankaj Chandra, former Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology Director Prof A.S.K. Sinha, IIT Jammu Director Prof Manoj Singh Gaur, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, SMVDSB CEO Sachin Kumar Vaishya, SMVDU Registrar Ajay Kumar Sharma and other Executive Council members.
