Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir (KU), Prof. Nilofer Khan, visited the University’s Kupwara Campus and held a detailed interaction with students, faculty members, civil society representatives, educationists and officers from the district administration to review the developmental needs, academic expansion and infrastructure requirements of the campus.
The meeting was attended by senior University officers and academicians, including Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Prof. Pervez Ahmed, Dean, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Prof. Mubashir Masoodi, Director Kupwara Campus, Prof. G. M. Rather, Head, Department of Geography & Disaster Management, Chief Proctor Prof Imtiaz A Khan, Dr. Ashfaq Zarri, Special Secretary to VC and Joint Registrar Budget, Mr. Altaf Ahmad, Joint Registrar Estates, and Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, Joint Registrar Development, officials from University's construction division besides representatives of the District Administration, including Mr. Peerzada Mumtaz, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Mr. Faisal Farooq, DFO Kehmil, AEE R&B Kupwara, JE, PDD Kupwara and other officials from the district administration. Representatives of civil society and district administration assured full cooperation for the planned development of the Campus.
Later in the evening, Prof. Nilofer Khan also held a meeting with Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Shri Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, IAS, to deliberate on the developmental requirements of the University’s Kupwara Campus and the need for close coordination between the University and district administration. The discussions focused on issues relating to road connectivity, demarcation and protection of University land, development of essential infrastructure and other administrative matters requiring inter-departmental coordination. The Deputy Commissioner assured the Vice-Chancellor of full cooperation and support from the district administration in facilitating the planned and time-bound development of the Campus. Both sides emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts to address the infrastructural and developmental requirements of the institution and to ensure better educational facilities for students and youth of the region.
Key issues discussed included demarcation and fencing of the University land, road connectivity, student amenities, transportation, hostel facilities, academic expansion and introduction of market-driven skill-based programmes.
Regarding road connectivity, two feasible options for providing dedicated access to the Campus were explored with the officers deputed by the district administration. An on-the-spot GPS survey of the Campus land was also conducted by the University’s Department of Geography & Disaster Management in collaboration with the concerned forest division to facilitate accurate demarcation and future development planning.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed on the strategic importance of the Kupwara Campus and directed that its development be pursued on priority. She also issued on-the-spot directions for establishing a high-standard canteen at the Campus to improve student facilities and approved the procurement of two Winger-type vehicles to strengthen transportation and logistical support for the Campus. The development of hostel facilities for girls was also discussed as an important requirement.
On the academic front, Prof. Khan directed the introduction of market-driven and industry-oriented skill courses to enhance employability and create better career opportunities for the youth of the region. She assured that the University would take forward the process for starting B.Sc. Nursing and Paramedical programmes at the Campus. The University will also explore additional skill-oriented and employment-focused programmes, including emerging disciplines such as Fashion Technology and other professional courses, in response to the educational and career aspirations of local youth.
Addressing the stakeholders, Prof. Nilofer Khan said, “The University is committed to developing the Kupwara Campus as a vibrant centre of quality education, skill development and academic excellence, while ensuring that its growth remains aligned with the educational aspirations and developmental needs of the region.”
She stressed on the importance of coordinated efforts between the University and district administration for the planned, coordinated and time-bound resolution of infrastructural and developmental issues. She further emphasised that the introduction of skill-oriented and industry-linked programmes would create greater educational and career opportunities for students and youth of the region.
Prof. Khan also interacted with students and faculty members, taking feedback on academic and campus-related issues and resolved some grievances on the spot. She also met members of the civil society to seek their suggestions for further strengthening the institution’s engagement with the local community. She assured the stakeholders that the concerns and suggestions raised during the visit, especially the growing demand for more need-based and employment-focused courses, would be taken up on priority and that the University would work closely with the concerned departments, district administration and local community for their timely resolution.
The visit also featured a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Rally’ at the Kupwara Campus, in which students, faculty and staff participated with patriotic enthusiasm. The activity brought the campus community together as part of the University’s Independence Day observances.
