Kagil, June 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday laid foundation of Kashmir University’s campus here at Khumbathang in presence of Governor NN Vohra.
 An official spokesman said both Omar and Vohra underlined the importance of satellite campuses, particularly those located in remote areas, in giving a fillip to the fulfillment of educational goals.
 “This will also provide opportunity to young talent to pursue higher educational goals without having to incur large expenditures on the same,” they said.
 The Chief Minister said the decision of the Government to establish Satellite Campuses in the remote areas is aimed at reaching out to the talent all across the state and giving them a break to prove their ability. He expressed hope that the efforts of the Government in this direction will prove fruitful.
 Addressing a function after laying Foundation Stone of Satellite Campus of Kashmir University at Khumbathang, Saliskote here, the Governor and the Chief Minister emphasized the need of developing the Campus as a unique knowledge centre where identification of courses and curricula are based on current and future relevance.
 The Governor, who is Chancellor of the Kashmir University, spoke about the opening of opportunities for the Kargil district students with the projected functioning of the Satellite Campus. The emerging human resource would competently serve the region, State and the country, he observed.
 Underscoring the importance of education in the holistic development of the society, the Governor said that expansion of education and creation of avenues for youth to receive higher education in a remote and economically backward area like Kargil is of great importance.
 Referring to the peace-loving, progressive and positive characteristics of the people of Kargil, the Governor lauded the spirit of amity and brotherhood exhibited and nurtured by the people of this area since centuries. “You have witnessed the hard days of war. You have suffered due to the fire from across during Kargil conflict but you stood firmly to uphold the high traditions of harmony and peace”, he said, adding “The days of peace and prosperity are returning.”
 The Chief Minister reaffirmed his Government’s keen desire to universalize education and give sustained impetus to make higher education accessible to students in far-flung and remote areas.
 Omar said that besides creating a chain of new degree colleges all across the state, the government has taken personal interest to see that new Campuses are established at identified places in the state. “My Government has flagged the education sector as one of the most important elements of the State’s development policy,” he said, adding” The focus is on introducing subjects of high market value in the Colleges and Universities to increase the ambit of employment and economic activities for the educated youth.”
 Others who were present on the occasion include AR Rather, Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Minister for CAPD, Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan, Chief Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir and KU Registrar Prof S Fayaz Ahmad.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST