Srinagar, Aug 13: N. N. Vohra, Governor, today called on all the Universities in Jammu and Kashmir to forge mutually beneficial collaborations in all arenas – teaching, research, libraries, extension projects, sports and other activities – to secure optimal utilization of infrastructure and resources and with the larger objective of achieving speedy economic development of the State.
 The Governor was speaking at a function organized in connection with signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the University of Kashmir and the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), at Raj Bhavan here today.
 The two Universities today entered into an MoU for collaboration to foster mutually beneficial activities in the arenas of academic, research, extension services and extra-curricular programmes.
 The MoU was signed by Dr. Talat Ahmad and Dr. Tej Partap, Vice Chancellors of the Kashmir Universities and the SKUAST-K, respectively, in the presence of N. N. Vohra, Governor, who is Chancellor of these Universities, an official statement said.
 The Governor observed that the youth of the State are highly talented and if we provide them an enabling environment they shall be able to achieve the highest standards of excellence.
 The Governor suggested that, for the advancement of knowledge, learning and research the appointment of Visiting or Adjunct Professors could be considered by the various Universities in the State.
 The Governor observed that the research projects taken up by the Universities, individually or jointly, should be on subjects and areas which are relevant for the development of the State, adding that the services of the faculties and research scholars could also be utilized for third party monitoring of developmental projects in the State.
 Referring to the very high growth potential of the State in several areas, the Governor observed that this could be adequately exploited if the Universities could contribute by undertaking area-wise or sector-wise researches to identify the best possible options. He said that such an approach could give a rapid pace to the economic growth of the State and also generate large scale employment avenues. He also referred to the important role which could be played by the Universities in undertaking timely studies on the various consequences arising from climate change and the manner in which such challenges could be immediately addressed in a scientific and sustainable manner.
 Referring to the MoU, the Governor urged both the Vice Chancellors to ensure its successful implementation. He added that this MoU should serve as a model for other Universities and institutions of higher learning to reach deeper understandings for sharing of infrastructure and resources. He congratulated both the Vice Chancellors for embarking on this laudable initiative and suggested a large inter-Varsity debating contest being organized jointly by the two Universities, later this year, on a subject which is relevant to the future development of the State.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST