From AI to new campus, Cluster University Srinagar sets roadmap for expansion
Srinagar, Nov 12: The Cluster University Srinagar (CUS) on Wednesday approved a series of major academic and administrative reforms aimed at strengthening its institutional framework and driving future growth.
Convening its 3rd Finance Committee and 2nd Syndicate meetings under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Prof Mohammad Mobin, the university cleared key proposals including launch of new PhD programmes, introduction of postgraduate courses in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, creation of new administrative positions, and development of a new campus at B K Pora.
The meetings also paved the way for CUS’s first convocation, marking a significant milestone in its academic journey.
The Finance Committee meeting was attended by Shantmanu, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Higher Education Department, Shri Santosh D Vaidya, Principal Secretary to Government, Finance Department, and Registrar Prof Wilayat Hussain Rizvi.
Also present were Prof Yasmeen Farooq, Principal, Government College for Women, M A Road; Prof G M Lone, Dean Commerce and Management; and Afshan Mehraj Kak, Chief Accounts Officer.
During the meeting, the committee resolved several pending financial matters and approved new developmental works aimed at strengthening the university’s infrastructure and academic ecosystem.
Later in the day, the Syndicate Meeting was held in hybrid mode and attended by eminent academicians and administrators, including Prof Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard University; Prof Bechan Lal, former Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu; Prof Geeta Singh, Director, Centre for Professional Development, University of Delhi; and senior faculty from Cluster Universities of Jammu and Srinagar.
Among the key decisions taken were the restructuring of faculties, recognition of university schools, award of degree certificates in accordance with NEP 2020, and amendments in statutes to include new administrative and academic positions such as Dean College Development Council, Dean Research, Director IQAC, Dean Students’ Welfare, and Chief Proctor.
In his opening remarks, Prof Mobin outlined significant institutional milestones, highlighting the recruitment of 18 Assistant Professors in 17 disciplines and the advertisement of new administrative posts including Assistant Registrars and Assistant Librarian.
He also announced the launch of Ph.D. programmes in 18 disciplines, the introduction of new postgraduate courses in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Music, and undergraduate programmes such as Design Your Degree and BPEd.
The Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the Higher Education and Finance Departments for sanctioning 84 teaching and non-teaching positions, facilitating recognition under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956, and for allotting 330 kanals of land at B K Pora, Kenihama for the upcoming new campus.
Prof Mobin reaffirmed his commitment to timely statutory meetings, institutional strengthening, and announced that the university’s first convocation will be held soon. In their remarks, Prof Afshar Alam, Prof Bechan Lal, Prof Geeta Singh, and others lauded the leadership of the Vice Chancellor for the smooth conduct of the meetings.
Prof Seema Naz, Principal, Government College of Education, congratulated the Vice Chancellor for initiating the convocation decision and reinforcing the academic framework of university schools. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof N A Samnani, Dean Academic Affairs.
