Jammu, Nov 14 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday called for strengthening academic infrastructure, ensuring timely examinations and creating greater opportunities for young entrepreneurs, saying no student should lose an academic year because of delays in examinations or the award of degrees.

Addressing the first convocation of Cluster University of Jammu at Abhinav Theatre here, the Chief Minister said his government was committed to providing universities with adequate infrastructure, faculty strength, academic autonomy and institutional support to improve the quality of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir.

Governor of Tamil Nadu Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar attended the ceremony as chief guest, while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chancellor of the University, presided over the function. Higher Education Minister Shamim Firdous, Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, MLA Jammu West Arvind Gupta and Vice-Chancellor Professor K.S. Chandrasekhar were also present.

Congratulating the graduating students and gold medallists, Omar described them as pioneers whose achievements would set an example for future batches. He also acknowledged the role of parents, families and teachers in supporting students throughout their academic journeys.

The Chief Minister said Cluster University of Jammu was established as an innovative educational model by bringing together five established institutions—GGM Science College, MAM College, SPMR College of Commerce, Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, and Government College of Education.

He said the university was conceived to promote multidisciplinary education through the sharing of academic resources, faculty, libraries and laboratories.

Referring to the university's placement in the 151–200 band of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), Omar termed it an encouraging achievement but stressed that sustained efforts were needed to further improve academic standards and facilities.

He called for greater investment in common infrastructure, digital connectivity, modern laboratories and hostel accommodation, particularly for students belonging to far-flung districts such as Poonch, Rajouri, Doda and Kishtwar.

Emphasising the importance of maintaining regular academic schedules, the Chief Minister said universities must ensure that examinations and degree awards are completed on time so that students do not face unnecessary delays in pursuing higher studies or employment.

"My government is committed to providing our universities with the necessary institutional support, academic autonomy, faculty strength and infrastructure to enable them to become genuine centres of knowledge, innovation and regional problem-solving," he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Addressing the changing employment scenario, Omar said rapid technological developments, particularly artificial intelligence, were transforming the job market and making continuous learning, critical thinking and adaptability essential for young professionals.

He urged graduates to explore opportunities beyond conventional government employment, saying the public sector alone could not accommodate every educated young person.

"Sustainable prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir will come when our youth move beyond being exclusively job seekers and become value creators, innovators and entrepreneurs," the Chief Minister said.

He identified agribusiness, food processing, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, renewable energy, disaster resilience and the digital economy as sectors offering considerable opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

Omar said Jammu and Kashmir's agricultural products, including basmati rice, Bhaderwah rajmash, saffron, walnuts, kaladi and citrus fruits, had significant potential for value addition, branding and access to larger markets.

He also encouraged graduates to explore opportunities in heritage tourism, eco-tourism, digital media, climate-resilient infrastructure and technology-based services.

The Chief Minister said the government was working to strengthen the start-up ecosystem, simplify clearances and improve access to credit to help young people establish businesses and generate employment.

He said universities must prepare students not only for existing employment opportunities but also for emerging sectors that require innovation, technical skills and entrepreneurial thinking.

Emphasising the importance of personal values, Omar urged graduates to remain lifelong learners, uphold integrity, respect the dignity of labour and maintain strong connections with their communities.

He also advised students to give importance to their mental and physical well-being while pursuing professional goals.

The Chief Minister called upon graduates to preserve Jammu and Kashmir's pluralistic cultural heritage and contribute their knowledge and skills towards the development of the region.

Expressing confidence in the university's first graduating batches, he said their achievements and future contributions would help shape the institution's reputation and the broader development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Later, the Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, presented medals and certificates to the graduating students. (KNS)