KU's Syndicate, Finance Committee takes several academic, administrative decisions

Srinagar, Aug 14: The University of Kashmir (KU) convened its 99th Syndicate and Finance Committee meeting here Tuesday, marking a pivotal step in the institution's academic and administrative excellence commitment.

KU Vice-Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan chaired the meeting. Principal Secretary to Government Finance Department, J&K (Financial Advisor, Universities),  Santosh D Vaidya and Principal Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department, J&K (Educational Advisor to the Government), Alok Kumar, besides various other key members of the varsity’s Finance Committee, academicians and heads from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration attended the meeting to deliberate on several critical issues that will shape KU’s future academic and administrative trajectory.

Among the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the introduction of the innovative ‘Design Your Degree (DYD)’ – a four-year Bachelor’s programme aimed at providing students with a flexible and interdisciplinary academic experience.

The committee approved modifications in the eligibility criteria and pass percentage for the Bachelor of Architecture programme and ratified the renaming of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts as the Shri Pran Krishan Kaul Institute of Music and Fine Arts.

The Syndicate adopted statutes governing undergraduate programmes under the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 retrospectively from the academic session 2022. The adoption includes modifications and additions to these statutes, to align KU’s educational offerings with national standards.

The meeting also discussed and approved several administrative reforms aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency. A revised fee structure was approved, balancing financial sustainability with maintaining accessibility for students.

The Syndicate also ratified the pursuit of dual degree programmes simultaneously, a move set to enhance the academic flexibility available to students.

Highlighting the significance of the decisions taken, KU Vice-Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan, emphasised the significance of the meeting and termed it “pivotal” in KU’s journey towards excellence.

“These decisions will encourage a vibrant academic environment and support our students and faculty in their pursuit of knowledge and innovation,” Prof Khan said, adding that by adopting the decisions taken during the Syndicate and Finance Committee meeting KU’s strategic approach “will address current challenges and prepare for future growth”.

Principal Secretary to Government Finance Department, J&K (Financial Advisor, Universities), Santosh D Vaidya, emphasised the importance of financial prudence in academic and administrative endeavours.

“Balancing financial sustainability with the goal of maintaining accessibility for our students is crucial. The revised fee structure and other financial decisions will ensure that KU remains both financially sound and student-centric,” Vaidya said.

Principal Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department, J&K (Educational Advisor to the Government), Alok Kumar, stressed the institution’s strategic alignment with NEP-2020 and its statutory guidelines.

“The adoption of NEP-2020 statutes and the introduction of innovative programmes like ‘Design Your Degree’ are steps towards a future-ready educational framework. These measures will undoubtedly position KU as a leader in academic excellence,” he reiterated.

He also congratulated the university for figuring in the top 50 universities in the latest NIRF Rankings.

KU Registrar Prof Naseer Iqbal, underscored the varsity’s commitment to remain steadfast in its mission to advance educational standards and create opportunities for its students and staff.

“As the university continues to evolve, it remains committed to create an environment that encourages innovation, academic excellence and holistic development of its students, laying a strong foundation for the KU’s future growth and excellence,” he added.