Awantipora, April 27: A delegation led by the Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Skill Development J&K government, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon (IAS), paid a visit to Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) on Tuesday. Dr. Asghar Samoon had a detailed discussion on many aspects of NEP-2020 implementation in Polytechnic colleges, including the adoption of choice-based credit-based system, and the promotion of skilling courses in the Government Polytechnics of the UT. During the interaction meeting with IUST team led by Vice Chancellor IUST Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, the Principal Secretary stated that the Government is committed to supporting introduction of skill-based quality education in order to provide the community, particularly youth with need based, technical and professional education as part of the Skill Development Programme.
Vice-Chancellor IUST gave a comprehensive overview of various ongoing and pipeline academic programs, research and the infrastructural development projects in the University. Prof. Romshoo also highlighted various steps taken by the university for skill development of students which among others include establishment of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED), which would simulate innovation, incubation, start-ups, and entrepreneurship among youth in the UT, students and beyond. In the meeting, the University agreed on developing a roadmap for the implementation of NEP-2020 in the Government Polytechnics as well as modify and reorganize polytechnic curricula in accordance with CBCB system as required under the NEP-2020. In addition, the University will offer a comprehensive capacity building program for the Polytechnic faculty in the JK-UT.
Dean Research IUST, Prof. A H Moon presented the basic elements of the roadmap for implementing NEP 2020 in the UT Polytechnic colleges. Also present during the conversation were Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Manzoor A. Malik, Registrar IUST Prof. Naseer Iqbal, and Finance Officer Mr. Sameer Wazir. Several other key themes were also discussed during the meeting, including strategies for 100 percent admission to polytechnics and improving the employment and placements of polytechnic diploma holders. While praising the IUST’s efforts and contributions to the promotion of innovation, start-up, and skill-based education, Dr. Samoon expressed the hope that the University will continue to grow in frontier areas of science and technology and provide support to polytechnics, and other technical institutes in the UT.
