JU to install sculpture of Gen Zorawar Singh

A meeting of Advisory Council of General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex was held under the chairmanship of Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu.

Prof Ishar welcomed Principal Secretary, Department of Finance and Financial Advisor JU, Mohd Iqbal Khandey, and other members of the committee.

Dr D L Chaudhary, Administrator, GZSAC in his power point presentation apprised the members regarding item wise agenda that included insurance of the building and equipments; Installation of chairs; Foot lights for Auditorium; Installation of sculpture of General Zorawar Singh in front of GZSAC; Annual maintenance; Servicing of power station of 800 KVA and of stage light system in the main hall and the balcony of GZSAC; Repair and renovation of the building of GZSAC; and Ppurchase of two folding ladders 60ft & 30ft.

Threadbare discussion on all the aforesaid agenda and other allied items, were held and consensus was evolved that all agenda items be approved for smooth and effective functioning of General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex.

Among others present were Prof RD Sharma, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Rekha Chaudhary, Dean Research Studies, Prof Jigar Mohd, Dean Social Sciences, Prof Dilip Singh, President JUTA, Prof Geeta Sumbli, Department of Botany, Prof Ajit Angral, Principal MAM College, Prof Naresh Padha, Registrar, Prof Vijay Saraf, Head and Dean Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Savita Bakshi, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Rajeshwar Singh, SP South, Jaikumar Sharma, Joint Registrar (Finance), and members of Syndicate Committee.

Sita Anand and Rekhi Wazir, liaison Officers of GZSAC coordinated the meeting.

Model village without basic amenities

Sadbhavna touring children meet Governor

Prof Dhar is new JU Controller Exams

Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar today ordered the appointment of Prof Manoj K Dhar, Director, The School of Bio-Technology, as new Controller Examinations of Jammu University till further orders in addition to his own duties. He relieved Prof G M Bhat from additional charge.

Besides, Prof Devanand, Head, Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, has been given the additional charge of Centre for IT Enabled Services and Management.

Guneet Singh Soodan, Assistant Director, Technology Support System, at Dhanvantri Library, has been relieved from his existing duties and shall report to the Director, Centre for IT Enabled Services for further duties.

Golden Jubilee celebration at GDC Boys Udhampur

Snowfall in Kashmir good for agriculture

Maharaja Hari Singhs treasure missing

Protests in JU campus

Owing to the violent students-police clash on Jammu University (JU) campus the other day, the atmosphere remained charged up on Wednesday as well as the students and non-teaching employees held protest separately to express their anguish. 

The non-teaching employees boycotted work and held dharna near the administrative block. The students belonging to different organisations boycotted their classes and unitedly staged demonstration in front of University main gate amid the presence of storng posse of police personnel. 

A large number of female students were also present in the protest who were shouting slogans against the police for subjecting them to brutal lathicharge in the campus yesterday. 

They also disrupted the vehicular movement on the road. However, police dispersed them after some time. 

Thereafter, they assembled in front of the Central Library and continued shouting slogans till the afternoon. On other side, the non-teaching employees also continued dharna demanding action against the students who indulged in man-handling and ransacking. They were also demanding adequate security at the work place so that yesterday’s incident would not be repeated. Till afternoon, the entire functioning in the campus remained absolutely paralysed. 

The Vice Chancellor, Dr Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, himself intervened to end the dead-lock. According to Registrar, Dr Naresh Padha, "The VC twice met the non-teaching employee to pacify them. The first meeting was held at 10:30 in the morning. Thereafter, he met them at 2:00 in afternoon. He assured them of adequate security besides, action against the persons responsible for yesterday’s incident. On this, the non-teaching employees resumed work."

After this he went to the protesting students and pacified them also with an assurance that committee is looking into the whole episode and guilty will not be spared, he added. The students too responded to the assurance of the VC and dispersed peacefully. 

It is pertinent to mention here that a violent clash took place on the campus on Tuesday afternoon between police and students. A five member committee headed by HoD Education Dr Lokesh Verma is looking into the incident. The committee has started inquiring the episode and will submit the report within 15 days.

A K Thatai new IT Commissioner

Governor CM greet people on Lohri

Omar Abdullah enjoying PDPs frustration

Seminar on innovative challenges organized

A two-day long seminar on "Innovative Challenges in Information Services: Changing Paradigm for Sustenance of Library and Information Centers in Digital Era" commenced at Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu here today.

Prof MPS Ishar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, was the chief guest on the occasion who underlined challenges ahead in University Libraries and recalled his College memories in using indexing and abstracting services.

He further said open information culture has shifted focus from subject experts and limited modes to common man's participative domain where inputs can be simultaneously added and accessed and new modes of wikis, blogs, information commons, instant messaging are in vogue.

Tanveer Jahan, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Higher Education in her presidential address advised teaching community to educate and conduct programmes for College Librarians in managing State run colleges effectively in changing digital era.

Prof. S M Shafi in his keynote address emphasised on new challenges different stakeholders in information sectors will be facing in the future and stressed upon librarians and Library Schools to gear up in cultivating the profession to manage better services for end users of Library.

A souvenir was also released on the occasion. Earlier, Prof Sangeeta Gupta , Head, Department of Library Science, in her welcome address gave brief profile of the Department and informed that seven technical sessions will be held during the two-day seminar wherein experts from different states will deliberate on the issues pertaining to library and information centers in digital era.

Among others Prof Naresh Padha, Registrar, University of Jammu, Prof N K Tripathi, Dean Students Welfare, Prof Kulwant Kour, Provost Hostels (Women), Faculty of the Department, delegates from various states, students and scholars were also present on the occasion.

Dr Meghna Dhar, Assistant Professor presented the vote of thanks.

The seminar is being organised by the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Jammu.

International Conference on Global Cultural

Int'l Conference on Global Cultural Routes tomorrow

The Centre for Studies in Museology, University of Jammu in association with Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Department of Tourism and Culture, J&K Government and General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex University of Jammu, is going to organise a three-day International Conference on Global Cultural Routes: Tourism and Socio-Economic Viability from March 1 to 3 at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex.

Prof Pooman Choudhary Director, Centre for Studies in Museology while briefing the media today said the Governor and Chancellor University of Jammu, N N Vohra will inaugurate the conference on March 1.

She added that Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora would be the guest of honour while Prof MPS Ishar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, will preside over.

Prof Poomam said experts drawn from eight countries from inter disciplinary fields are likely to participate in the conference which will be divided into technical sessions- visit to heritage sites and cultural route.

She further said that the international conference on Cultural Routes will be attended by experts from all over the world.

Prof G M Batt, who is the co-organising secretary of the conference said the conference will bring together the conclusions of global strategic study striving to improve the recognition with heritage of economic, social, symbolic and philosophical dimensions.

D L Choudhay, Administrator, General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex, JU, was also present.

Placement drive by Kashmir University
Aharbal project
Fai released on bond

Bed scam in jammu kashmir

De-affiliation of two colleges recommended BEd scam: exam of 70 students cancelled, 4500 sheets sent to FSL

The biggest ever fraud detected in the University of Jammu (JU) during the Annual BEd examination (September/October) 2011 has placed all the stakeholders in a dilemma, as the Competent Authority has so far cancelled the examination of nearly 70 students besides, examination related record of over 4500 students has been sent for forensic examination.

Also, the Competent Authority has recommended immediate de-affiliation of two BEd colleges namely Vimal Muni College of Education, Ramgarh and K C Minerva College of Education, Rahya, which were found deeply involved in the fraud.

According to sources, the Syndicate Meeting over the Misconduct/Unfairmeans cases headed by the then Vice-Chancellor, Prof Varun Sahni, was held in the last week of December last year.

The students whose specimen signatures and photographs were not found matching with the attendance sheets and examination forms at the time of examination were called in the meeting to explain their part.

The students unleashed startling revelations before the competent authority. One of the students said she knew nothing about the examination form and never attended BEd classes.

Most of the students of KC Minerva College of Education, Raya Morh, admitted that the college itself had filled up their examination forms.

Their cases were examined over the period of two days on individual basis. All those students were from five BEd colleges including Vimal Muni, College of Education, K C Minerva College, Adarsh College of Education, Sacred Heart College of Education and Bhargava College of Education. Nearly 70 students were found guilty and all their papers were cancelled by the competent authority while 33 others were let off.

The Competent Authority had categorically recommended the de-affiliation of Vimal Muni College of Education and K C Minerva College of Education while Adarsh College of Education was let off with the letter of displeasure. Whereas, the decision over the remaining two colleges was to be taken later.

Initally, the Principal of Vimal Muni College of Education was reluctant to admit any mistake beyond a simple clerical error which the Competent Authority did not find credible.

The Competent Authority even debarred the Principal of the college from employment in the University or its affiliated institutions for a period of five years.

In the meeting, the Vice Chancellor had directed the complete scanning of entire examination record of BEd to check more such cases.

Later, an 18-member committee scanned the entire record and detected over 4500 such cases. The said record was then sent for forensic verification. The report is expected soon.

Now, the University has called the meeting of the principals of all the BEd colleges on February 16 to discuss the matter as the fraud detected was massive and engulfs nearly 40 colleges, sources said.

When contacted, one of the senior officials from University of Jammu confirmed that the specimen signatures of all the examinees of the BEd Annual Examination have been sent to the Forensic Laboratory.

"Yes, the process is going on and it will take some time to complete", he said.

When asked him about the de-affiliation of the colleges recommended by the then Vice-Chancellor, he said "we will give one more chance to these colleges to make their point during the upcoming meeting of all the principals of BEd colleges".

It is pertinent to mention here that during the course of investigation University officials discovered that majority of the examination forms were filled and signed by the college staff itself in place of students. In most of the cases, students never came to college to attend the classes after taking admission. They only came at the end of session to appear in the examination.

During the examination, when the members of flying squad found the photo of candidates mis-matching on attendance record and admit cards, they thought it to be a case of impersonation but, the investigation by internal inquiry brought out the real matter.

The then Vice Chancellor took hard stance over the matter and aksed the officials to proceed for complete examination of the record.

Owing to massive number of cases, the BEd result has been kept on hold. The JU authorities want to decide the matter at the earliest so that result could be declared.

Workshop on Right to Informatioin Act held

Dogra Law College, Bari Brahmana today organised a day long workshop on "Right to Information Act 2005": Its Conceptional Dimensions" with special reference to the J&K State.

G R Sofi, Chief Information Commissioner who was the chief guest on the occasion said the Right to Information Act was annexed to provide setting out of the practical regime of Right to Information for the citizens.

He stressed upon the need of the involvement of educational institutions particularly law institutions in creating action oriented awareness and proper consciousness among masses for the applicability and enforcement of Right to Information Act.

The audience comprising students of Dogra Law College, Dogra College of Education, teacher and members of the society also raised queries to G R Sofi.

Prof V K Kapoor, Director/Principal, Dogra Law College in his welcome address expressed concern over the lack of initiative by the concerned agencies in the State to promote timely dissemination of accurate information to the public.

The inaugural session was followed by a panel discussion session presided over Prof S K Sharma, Information Commissioner, State Information Commission, Jammu.

The panelists were Prof V P Magotra, Dr Arvind Jasrotia, Sohail Qazmi and Advocate Sheikh Shakeel.

Prof Sham Singh, Dr Kiran Luthra and Vijay Sehgal also participated in the panel discussion session as special guests whereas Monika Kohli worked as moderator.

Dr Arvind Jasrotia, Public Information Officer, University of Jammu apprised the students that drastic changes have been introduced with reference to the re-evaluation process of the Examination of Answer books in order to render fair facility to the aggrieved students.

Prof S K Sharma informed that State Information Commission was dealing with 650 cases.

Earlier, the inaugural session was presided by Maanvi Tikoo, Associate Professor of Dogra Law College while in panel discussion, Rigzin Chandol delivered the welcome address.

Shweta Gupta and Jyoti Majotra presented the vote of thanks.

Ishar New JU Vice Chancellor

Dr Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, a Professor from Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, is being appointed as new Vice Chancellor of Jammu University in place of Prof Varun Sahni, who had completed his term on December 7.

Dr Ishar, who originally hailed from Poonch and had later settled at Kathua before shifting to Amritsar, is scheduled to meet Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tomorrow before taking up his new assignment.

He was at top of three members panel prepared by a search committee constituted by Governor NN Vohra, in his capacity as Chancellor of the University, for appointment of new Vice Chancellor after Prof Sahni completed his three years term.

Dr Ishar, who has 84 publications to his credit, was expected to take over as new Vice Chancellor of Jammu University only after the interviews in teaching for under career advancement scheme in various departments are completed on January 21. The interviews had started yesterday.

Talking to the Excelsior on telephone from Amritsar, Dr Ishar said: "it would be a proud moment for me to become Vice Chancellor of the University where I had done Post Graduation in Chemistry’’.

He said he was the product of Jammu University and it would be a matter of great satisfaction for him to head the prestigious Varsity.

A Professor of Pharmaceutical Science and Dean Students Welfare at GNDU Amritsar, Prof Ishar said he would emphasise on quality teaching and research.

"My special focus would be on quality teaching and research’’, he said, adding that strengthening of existing infrastructure will also be his priority.

Prof Ishar has his area of specialization in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Organic Photochemistry and Steroid Chemistry.

Prof Ishar was on top of three members panel submitted by the search committee for appointment as Vice Chancellor. Two others in the panel were Prof PS Ahuja, a Scientist in Institute of Integrated Medicines (IIM), Palampur in Himachal Pradesh and Rajive Gupta, a Professor of Chemistry, who had retired in October last year from Jammu University.

Prof Ishar had done MSc Chemistry from Jammu University and PhD from IIT.

The search committee comprised Prof GK Chadha, Chief Executive of South Asian University, Prof MM Saluke, Vice Chancellor of Central University, Rajasthan and Dr SS Bloeria, Vice Chancellor of Central University, Jammu and former Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir.

The search committee had visited Jammu from January 6 to 8 and met various organisations of Jammu University and individuals before submitting the panel to the Raj Bhavan. Yesterday, Governor NN Vohra had discussed the panel with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Raj Bhavan.

Hunt for new JU Vice Chancellor

Search committee headed by Prof G K Chadha constituted to find a successor to Prof Varun Sahni, Jammu University Vice-Chancellor has zeroed in on three names.

Reliable sources said that three persons, who have been short-listed for this prestigious post, included Prof Rajive Gupta, former Director Colleges, University of Jammu, Prof M P Singh Ishar from Guru Nanak Dev University and P S Ahuja, Director CSIR Lab, Palampur.

The incumbent Vice-Chancellor Prof Varun Sahni’s tenure has already expired in the month of December, 2011, but he got extension under the rules of Kashmir and Jammu Universities Act, 1969.

Governor NN Vohra, in his capacity as the Chancellor of University, is likely to select the new Vice-Chancellor from this list of short-listed candidates by the search panel. 

Photography workshop at Jammu University

A week-long photography workshop organised by the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu got underway at Seminar Hall, Department of Environmental Sciences here today.

Neeru Sharma, Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, was the chief guest on the occasion.

She lauded the efforts of Department of Students Welfare for taking initiative to enhance the abilities in photography.

Earlier, Prof N K Tripathi, Dean Students Welfare, JU, delivered the welcome address.

The objective of conducting the workshop was to provide a platform for students to educate them and refine their photography abilities.

The workshop is being held under the supervision of Arvind Gupta, Yogesh Manhas and Nitin Kanotra.

Dr Sanjay Sharma, Workshop Coordinator, Prof Jasbir Singh, Chairman, Campus Cultural Committee, Prof R K Rampal, Dr Anupama Vohra, Dr Samridhi Arora, Dr Sarika Manhas, Dr Meghna Dhar, Arti Sharma, Dr Parvinder Kumar, Vijay Atri, Dharmpal Sharma and Vinay Thusoo besides students were also present.

Another successful effort of SKUAST

SKUAST Jammu under the leadership of Vice Chancellor, Dr B Mishra after glaring success of increasing production of rain fed farmers at Badodi village has made another successful effort in bringing of 10 ha rainfed and dry area of Nai Akhnoor in a production mode.

According to a SKUAST release for the first time 10 farmers of village Nai Basti and Akhnoor have been brought in "Joint Liability Group’’ where in their total 10 ha pooled land has been designed for drip and sprinkler irrigation under the ICAR project entitled Technology Refinement in Micro Irrigation and Fertigation for improving the quality and productivity of important crops in rainfed areas of Jammu.

The project is run under the supervision of Dr Dileep Kachroo, Principal Investigator and Chief Scientist, Farming System Research Centre, SKUAST, Jammu.

The Horticulture Department has already established bore well and Dr Kachroo with the help of Director Horticulture, Jammu has identified these farmers under "Farmer-Scientist Research Mode’’. The land brought under mango orchard has been properly designed and put under drip irrigation whereas the in- between plantation land has been intercropped with various vegetables and wheat /mustard cultivation.

The farmers are happy over the new experiment which has brought cheerfulness on their faces.

Global Understanding Course at JU

The "Global Understanding Course" at Jammu University (JU), concluded today. The course was organized in collaboration with East Carolina University, USA and the result of the students of 11th and 12th batch was also declared.

On the occasion, Prof Varun Sawhney, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University distributed the certificates to the students and while speaking appreciated the efforts being undertaken by the JU in broadening the horizon of the students.

Dr Parikshat Singh Manhas, Coordinator, said that "Global Understanding course" was started in August, 25 with the special efforts of the administration of the JU, keeping into view the importance of networking and collaborations.

He said that the initiative of collaboration with East Carolina University was undertaken to make JU a hub of Academic, Research and Extension Activities and thus the "Global Understanding Course" was started.

Dr Parikshat Singh Manhas detailed that the "Global Understanding Course" provides a format for students to learn about other cultures without actually traveling places. He added that currently there are 45 Foreign Universities from 28 countries participating in the course and these partner institutions are diverse and worldwide and communicate through live video chat technology.

During the course, the 11th batch students interacted with the students of three foreign Universities namely East Carolina University (ECU), Greenville, USA, Shandong University (SDU), Shandong, China and Faculade de Jaguariuna (FAJ), Brazil under the Global Climate Change program supported by United States of America State Department.

Meanwhile, 12th batch students interacted with the students of three foreign universities namely East Carolina University (ECU), Greenville, USA, ESAN University, Lima, Peru and University of Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia under the International Collaborative program.