PANEL DISCUSSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION: CHANGING DYNAMICS

Governor  N N Vohra, today said that efforts are underway to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a pulsating knowledge hub by undenaking curricular reforms for achieving academics excellence.

Speaking at a Pnnel Discussion on 'Higher Education-Changing Dynamics organizred by the J&K Regional Chapter of  Indian Institute of Public Administration and Academic Staff College, University of Kashmir, here this morning, the Governor referred to the proposed State Knowledge Commission and said that it, on the analogy of the National  Knowledge Commission, would study and recommend ways and means for achieving the highest levels of excellence in the pursuit of knowledge.

Mr Vohra said that a Committee has been constituted to suggest the frame-work and terms of reference of the proposed State knowledge Commission, and to define its role. The idea, he said, is to achieve excellencein varied fields of education, in keeping pace with the emerging challenges. "We are preparing ground for the working of such a Commission, which will be of vital importance for the future progress of the State", he added.

The Governor stressed the need for co-relating higher education with technical, vocational and school education and hoped that the Panel Discussion would deliberate on these issues in a meaningful manner. He said that such interactive sessions help policy planners in drawing up road maps and stratergies for giving new directions to the educational scenario. He urged the scholars to exchange their views on essential  issues of dynamics of higher education.
Speakmg on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof (Dr) Reyaz. Punjabi, emphasized on bridging the gap between academia and the policy planners, keeping in view the feedbacks of teachers of the various levels of educational system. He expressed concern over sharp decline of students in Maths and Science faculties at  the higher education level, saying that the focus seems to have shifted to technical and computer educaiton.

Prof Punjabi envisioned big scope for business courses. as the pass outs get abundant opportunities in the corporate and multi national sectors. He urged the participants to ponder over the micro problems of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir and suggest recommendations for making improvements in order to achieve excellence.

Prof Mehraj-ud-Din, Director Academic Staff College, University of Kashmir, presented key note address. He elaborately discussed the evolution of educational system in the country and stressed the need for reforms in the system.
Secreatary, Indian Institute in the State and said this has given new impetus to intellectual interaction on various core issues.

Dr Bhan reffered to the knowledge challenges of the 21st Century, saying bthat education was the core of the overall development of any society.

Advisor to Governor, H H Tyabji, was among the prominent participants present on the occasion. A galaxy of academicians, scholars and students participated in the Panel Discussion.

Dr G N Qasba, Joint Secretary of the IIPA presented vote of thanks .

The Governor also inaugurated a 3-day National Symposium on "Water Resources in India, Concerns, Conservation   and Management" at Kashmir University.  Mr. Vohra said that issues like climate changes, global warming, melting of gla­ ciers and over use of water resources are concerning one and all and need to be addressed with a common approach. He said that a decline in ground and surface water resources is showing adverse effects on the sectors directly dependable on aquatic resources.

The Governor expressed satisfaction that Kashmir University has formed a core group to study the technical, ecological and other reasons for pollution of  Dal Lake and hoped that the symposium would deliberate in length on these Issues and  would comeout with some concrete recopmendations for preservation of this huge water body.He said that during the symposium there would be fruitful discussions on the conservation and management of water resources in India as well as Jammu and Kashmir. These discussions would be of immense use in future, Vohra added. Earlier, Vice Chancelor, University Of Kashmir, Professor Reyaz Punjabi in his address elaborated the aims and objectives of the symposium.