Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting to review the ongoing expansion and augmentation plans for the Institutes of Music & Fine Arts associated with the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department; Vice Chancellors of the two Universities; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; and other senior officers.

The Chief Secretary underscored the crucial role of these institutes in nurturing and polishing the artistic and musical talents of J&K’s youth. He observed that both institutes must be developed on modern lines with robust infrastructure to ensure an enabling academic environment for enrolled students.

Calling for a long-term vision, the Chief Secretary directed the Vice Chancellors to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the creation of permanent campuses and future expansion of both institutes. He reviewed the existing bachelor-level programmes and advised the Universities to explore the introduction of additional courses, including postgraduate programmes, in line with emerging needs in the fields of music and fine arts.

Emphasizing the importance of academic excellence, the Chief Secretary urged the Universities to undertake necessary faculty upgradation as per UGC norms and ensure that these institutes receive the same level of support, attention and institutional grooming as other departments under their administration.

The Vice Chancellors apprised the Chief Secretary of the current status of available infrastructure, ongoing courses and student intake capacities. They also highlighted certain constraints, particularly related to non-availability of adequate land for establishment of independent campuses.

To resolve this bottleneck, the Chief Secretary directed the respective Divisional Commissioners to extend full support to the Universities in identifying and transferring suitable land parcels at the earliest, enabling timely establishment of permanent campuses for both institutes.