JU to hold Academic Council Meeting at Bhaderwah Campus

NEP 2020 implementation, regional academic outreach, and civil society engagement on the agenda

JK News Today

Jammu, June 13:The University of Jammu is poised to create history by convening its Academic Council Meeting—the apex academic decision-making body of the University—for the first time at its Bhaderwah Campus on June 15, 2025.

Announcing the decision at a Curtain Raiser Press Conference, Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai described the initiative as a meaningful stride towards deepening academic engagement and enhancing the University’s outreach to the youth and communities in far-flung areas of the region. He emphasized that convening the Academic Council meeting outside the main campus reflects the University’s evolving approach to inclusivity—by directly connecting with its regional campuses, students, and civil society.

He underscored the vital role of offsite campuses in shaping academic vision of the University and integrating them into the mainstream of decision-making.

Terming Bhaderwah as the oldest regional campus of the University, Prof. Rai emphasised its strategic role in catering to the academic aspirations of students from remote and hilly areas.

Heads of Departments from the main campus, principals of affiliated colleges, academic representatives from other institutions, and senior deans from the University of Kashmir will participate in the meeting. All members will be attending the meeting in person at Bhaderwah, marking a significant institutional shift towards inclusive, region-based academic policymaking.

The Council will also deliberate on several academic reforms such as Implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the postgraduate level from August 2025, Curriculum restructuring and a new credit framework for experiential learning, Promotion of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programme design

In addition to the Council meeting, the University has outlined a comprehensive series of parallel academic and community engagement activities. Prof. Rai informed that six thematic working groups have been constituted to develop policy inputs on critical focus areas including Multidisciplinarity in academics, Internationalization and global outreach, Skilling and entrepreneurship, Industry-academia collaboration, Start-up ecosystems and innovation, Strategic development of offsite campuses.

These groups will present policy-oriented papers to help guide the University’s long-term academic planning and institutional growth, he added.

The Vice Chancellor further stated that such key academic and administrative engagements will also be conducted at other offsite campuses of the University, including Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, and Poonch, in a phased manner. The aim is to foster stronger institutional linkages across all regional centres and make them active contributors in the University’s governance and growth story.

Other planned events include cultural programmes and interactions with civil society, aimed at building deeper community linkages and promoting public accountability. As part of this outreach, individuals from the local civil society who have made significant contributions in education, literature, and social development will be felicitated at Bhaderwah. Prof. Rai reiterated the University’s responsibility as a publicly funded institution, committed to addressing regional needs through collaborative dialogue and inclusive participation.

Highlighting the University’s expanding national collaborations, Prof. Rai also spoke about strengthening ties with the Indian Armed Forces, particularly in areas of student internships and field-based assignments. He shared that a recent meeting in Poonch resulted in the identification of strategic project opportunities, further aligning academic engagement with national service priorities.

Another major announcement made by the Vice Chancellor was the University’s plan to launch undergraduate programmes at the main campus. This significant academic expansion will offer a seamless progression pathway from undergraduate to doctoral levels, in full alignment with NEP 2020.

Describing the Bhaderwah Academic Council meeting as a “defining moment” for the institution, Prof. Rai asserted that the initiative reflects the University’s larger vision of becoming globally competitive, nationally aligned, and regionally inclusive.

On the occasion, Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, shared detailed insights into the academic components and events scheduled to be held alongside the Academic Council meeting.

Also present during the press conference were Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies. Prof. Sangeeta Gupta, Dean Planning and Development; Prof. Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare; Dr. A. R. Manhas, Deputy Chief Proctor; and Mr. Irfan Goni, Campuses Development Officer.

The proceedings were conducted by Ms. Mansi Mantoo, Media Officer, University of Jammu.