Katra, February 15: Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday stated that the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP-2020) has created new opportunities for innovation within universities across Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Itoo remarked, “Today, we are not just here to celebrate the university’s convocation but also to acknowledge its remarkable growth and its establishment as a beacon of excellence in India.”
She highlighted that under the leadership of former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, SMVDU has evolved significantly since its inauguration, with the aim of revitalizing the higher education sector, which had been adversely impacted by past unrest.
“The establishment of this university, along with institutions like IUST and BGSU, has expanded higher education opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir while fostering a culture of innovation and research among aspiring scholars,” she added.
She also commended the university for securing 31st position in the architecture in 2024 NIRF ranking. The education minister further said that the implementation of NEP-2020 has opened more avenues for innovation in the universities.
She was in Katra to attend the Convocation Ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Dr Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Vice President; LG Manoj Sinha, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister; Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament; Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor SMVDU; Vice-Chancellors of various Universities; HoDs of different educational institutions, senior officials of Civil and Police administration, faculty members, students and their parents were present on the occasion.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University also conferred Honoris Causa degrees on writer & historian Padma Shri Pt Shiv Dutt Nirmohi, and former CEO National Health Authority Dr Ram Sewak Sharma.