Srinagar, June 23: Minister for Higher Education Sakeena Itoo on Monday said that student welfare must remain the top priority, stressing the need for sustained reforms to make Government Degree Colleges more accessible, inclusive, and aligned with student aspirations.

Chairing a review meeting on the ongoing admission process across Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister assessed admission trends in Government Degree Colleges and directed officials to intensify awareness and outreach in institutions with low enrolment.
She asked Principals and faculty to actively engage with students and parents to promote awareness about academic programmes, scholarships, and career opportunities available in colleges.
Officials informed the meeting that admissions have increased significantly this year following simplification of the admission process. The Minister said enrolment is expected to cross 50,000 students after the next admission rounds.
Sakeena Itoo noted that legacy colleges continue to attract higher admissions but stressed the need to diversify courses, improve infrastructure, and introduce student-centric reforms. She also highlighted the role of walk-in admissions through an online portal to ensure wider access.
The Minister directed colleges to start classes without delay and called for rationalisation of faculty deployment to strengthen academic standards, especially in institutions with low enrolment.
She also emphasised introducing new-age courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, skill-linked hybrid programmes, and econometrics, aligning education with emerging industry needs.
The Minister reiterated that the government is focused on improving employability through skill development and industry-oriented initiatives so that students are better prepared for job opportunities after graduation.