Director Bashir Announces New Student Outreach Plan, Reviews Digital Reforms and Welfare Initiatives in Principals' Meet
Baramulla, Jan 22 (KNS) ; The Department of Higher Education convened a comprehensive review meeting of principals from all Government Degree Colleges in the Kashmir Division here on Thursday.
Chaired by the Director of Colleges, Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, the session focused on academic readiness, governance reforms, and student-centric initiatives across the region.
The meeting, held at the Government Degree College Baramulla (Autonomous), follows a similar review recently conducted for colleges in the Jammu Division. Prof. Mohd. Shafi Lone, Principal of the host institution, formally welcomed the attendees and introduced newly transferred principals. The selection of an autonomous college for this divisional meeting was described as a deliberate step to underscore the department’s policy emphasis on academic autonomy and its plans to expand the number of such institutions in the near future.
In his opening address, Prof. Bashir stressed institutional cohesion, academic discipline, and outcome-oriented governance as fundamental to enhancing the quality of higher education. A detailed review of the department’s digital governance framework was undertaken, with principals directed to use the Planning & Development Portal of the Directorate of Colleges as the sole authenticated platform for institutional data, real-time reporting, and online staff services. Accuracy and regular updating of data were emphasized as critical for evidence-based policy planning.
The Director noted that recent digital interventions—particularly the use of need-based academic arrangements—have improved operational efficiency, simplified processes, and increased transparency across colleges.
College-wise performance under the Connect with Policy Planning & Development Initiative was also assessed, with a focus on timely data submission and institutional responsiveness. Principals were reminded that sustained engagement in data-driven governance remains vital for developmental and administrative decision-making.
Discussions extended to institutional development initiatives, including the functioning of Institutional Innovation Councils, expansion of eYantra Labs, and implementation of SWAYAM Local Chapters to promote blended learning.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelReviewing the Action Taken Report on eYantra, the Director instructed all eYantra-enabled colleges to form student teams for participation in an upcoming UT-level hackathon and in national competitions organized by IIT Bombay.
Student welfare mechanisms received focused attention, particularly the strengthening of the Mentor–Mentee Programme for academic and psychosocial support, structured sports and co-curricular frameworks, and institutional strategies to counter substance abuse through awareness and early intervention.
The SIGMA portal—Student Integrated Grievance and Messaging Application—was reviewed, with college-wise registration data shared. Principals were urged to enhance student onboarding and optimize the platform for secure, time-bound communication and efficient grievance redressal.
In a significant announcement, the Director introduced SCALE—Student Connect for Academic Leverage and Excellence—a comprehensive outreach programme designed to provide continuous guidance on NEP-2020, academic mobility, progression pathways, and career planning across all Government Degree Colleges.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of ongoing developmental works under various budget heads. Principals were advised to maintain close coordination with executing agencies and ensure rigorous monitoring of project timelines and quality parameters.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Bashir reaffirmed that teaching and non-teaching staff are the primary drivers of institutional quality and called for a supportive and motivated work environment. He urged all institutions to advance the department’s mission through transparency, accountability, and student-centric governance, ensuring that Government Degree Colleges in Jammu & Kashmir emerge as vibrant centres of academic excellence and societal transformation.(KNS)