Srinagar, Dec 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has extended the tenure of vice chancellor of Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-K and reappointed the incumbent vice-chancellor of the University of Jammu.
Sinha in an order said that the incumbent VC of SKUAST Kashmir Prof Nazir Ganaie shall continue his services for two more years with effect from December 16 which is his existing term of the position.“
An order, issued by LG, said: “In exercise of the powers vested in me under Section 25 (2) of the Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Act, 1982, I, Manoj Sinha, Chancellor, Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, hereby extend the tenure of Prof. Nazir Ganaie, Vice Chancellor, Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, for two (02) years w.e.f. 16.12.2024, the date of completion of his existing term as the Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Kashmir.”
Prof Nazir Ganai has been instrumental in drafting a holistic agriculture development program, J&K’s flagship initiative to transform agriculture. He transformed the University into a center of excellence and focussed on student-driven start-ups, innovation, and patents. He helped the launch of 55 startups and 42 patents were registered. Prof Nazir Ganai also drafted a new agriculture education model which became the national model of agri-education.
In a separate order, LG said: “In exercise of the powers vested in me under Section 12 (5) of Kashmir and Jammu Universities Act 1969, I Manoj Sinha, Chancellor, University of Jammu, hereby reappoint Prof Umesh Rai as vice chancellor of University of Jammu for three years wef from 05-04-2025, the date of completion of existing term.”
Prof Umesh Rai is known as an innovation man across the country. Under his leadership, Jammu University was transformed into a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. He has been a key figure behind the implementation of the National Education Policy across the Union territory by handholding and guiding the other institutions. He gave a new model ‘Design your degree’ to the country and this initiative has been taken up across the nation as well as other universities of Jammu Kashmir.
A well-known educationist, Prof Umesh Rai started College on Wheels for Students as well as Igniter also known as Youth Startup Yatra.