Take up research projects related to problems of the State: Governor

JAMMU, APRIL 16(KMW): Governor Mr. N.N. Vohra, Chancellor of the Kashmir University, urged the Vice Chancellors of the Universities of the Kashmir and Jammu to take up research projects on subjects which are related to the problems being faced by the people of the State. He said this at the meeting of the University Council held today while reviewing the ongoing research projects of the University. The University informed that the major ongoing research projects included one for the establishment of an Apple Germplasm Repository and developing an Action Plan for Strengthening the Ecological Integrity of the Dal Lake. The Governor suggested to the Vice Chancellor to consider involving SKUAST-K for implementing a project for the conservation of germplasm of all the indigenous fruit plants in the State.
Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of the Kashmir University, informed the Council that the University has signed an MoU with the Geological Survey of India which would enable the students of Earth Sciences to receive training with the GSI’s institutions. He also informed the Council about the Universitys’ participation in a number of research projects which included, “India based Neutrino Observatory” project to study atmospheric neutrinos in a 1300 meters deep underground laboratory near Theni, Tamil Nadu, India.
While reviewing the ongoing infrastructure development projects in the different Campuses of the KU, the Chancellor asked the VC to ensure that all these buildings provide for differently abled persons. He also urged the VCs of both the Kashmir and Jammu Universities to develop sports and other extra-curricular activities related infrastructure in the Universities.
The Council approved 5% supernumerary admissions for foreign nationals to pursue Under Graduate and Post Graduate studies in the Kashmir University. The Chancellor urged the VC to introduce Peer Review and Refresher Courses for the teachers under the Faculty Development Programme.
Present in the meeting were Mr. R.P Agarwal, former Secretary, MHRD, GOI, Prof. M.P.S Ishar, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, Mr. B.R. Sharma, Principal Secretary Planning and Development, Mr. B.B. Vyas, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Principal Secretary, Finance, Mr. Rakesh Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad, Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department, Prof. Yasmin Kawoos, Principal, Government Degree College, Bemina, Prof. Nasreen Malik, Principal, Government Degree College, Ganderbal, Prof. Aquil Ahmad, Dean Faculty of Physical and Material Science, KU, Prof. Akbar Masood, Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences, KU, and Prof. Zafar Ahmad, Registrar, Kashmir University.