Srinagar ,Dec 2 (KNS) : Director Colleges, J&K, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, conducted an extensive visit to various Government Degree Colleges in the Pir Panjal region to gain firsthand insight into academic functioning and engage directly with students and faculty regarding their concerns, challenges, and expectations.
During interactive sessions at GDC Rajouri, GDC Poonch, and GDC Surankote, the Director highlighted the significance of SIGMA – the Student Integrated Grievance and Messaging Application. He urged all students to subscribe to the platform immediately, describing it as a major reform initiative aimed at empowering students with real-time updates on departmental activities and providing them with a direct channel for redressal of issues beyond the scope of individual colleges.
Dr. Bashir also briefed students on the key features of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), particularly the academic flexibility offered through multiple entry and exit options. He encouraged students to make informed use of these provisions to shape their academic paths effectively.
In his meetings with faculty members, the Director reiterated the importance of strengthening the Mentor–Mentee Model, noting that an effective mentoring system is crucial for addressing emerging challenges, including issues related to substance abuse. He sought full cooperation from faculty to ensure meaningful implementation of the model across campuses.
At GDC Poonch, Dr. Bashir congratulated Principal Dr. Jasbir Singh for initiating the process of seeking autonomous status for the college following his visit in August. Expressing satisfaction, he said that achieving autonomous status would position the institution for academic excellence and innovation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelAutonomy offers several key advantages—including academic flexibility, independence in examination and evaluation, and greater capacity for innovation—aligning the college with NEP mandates.
The Director also held detailed interactions with the boarders of both the Girls’ and Boys’ Hostels at GDC Poonch, discussing various issues concerning hostel facilities and issuing necessary directions for their prompt redressal.
At GDC Rajouri, Dr. Bashir underscored the academic vision of NEP 2020 and its emphasis on granting autonomy to progressive higher education institutions. Discussing the prospects of attaining autonomous status, he highlighted that autonomy provides substantial institutional benefits, such as enhanced academic flexibility, scope for curricular innovation, independent evaluation systems, and a stronger institutional identity. He noted that as the oldest and largest college in the district, GDC Rajouri is well-positioned to approach the UGC for the grant of Autonomous Status and that the present time is appropriate for submitting its application in line with UGC norms.
At GDC Surankote, the issue of student absenteeism was discussed in detail. The Director impressed upon the administration the need to strictly adhere to the Directorate’s Policy Planning and Development Portal for digital onboarding of students, ensuring transparency, accountability, and improved student engagement.
The visit concluded with Dr. Bashir reaffirming the Department’s commitment to strengthening academic ecosystems, enhancing student well-being, and accelerating reform initiatives across all degree colleges in the region.(KNS)