Jammu January 16, 2026 — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 89th University Council Meeting of the University of Jammu today at Lok Bhavan, calling for a radical shift toward “Universities 2.0.”
Addressing a high-level council that included Minister for Higher Education Sakeena Masood Itoo and several Vice Chancellors, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that higher education institutions must move beyond merely awarding degrees.
He urged universities to transform their campuses into epicenters of creative solutions and social transformation, serving as powerhouses of talent capable of solving the region’s toughest real-world challenges, including natural disaster early warning systems and local societal issues.
During the meeting, the Council granted in-principle approval to several landmark proposals aligned with NEP 2020 and UGC guidelines. Key initiatives include the adoption of a Strategic Action Plan (2025–2030), the introduction of a Five-Year Integrated UG-PG Programme in Mathematical Sciences, and the establishment of a Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialectics and Emotional Intelligence (CRCD&EI).
To modernize the curriculum, the nomenclature of B.Tech. in Information Technology was updated to include Mathematical Innovation, reflecting a broader push to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge IT technologies into regular coursework.
Manoj Sinha further directed the University to strengthen student employability by collaborating with financial institutions and conducting rigorous impact assessments of skill development courses.
He also stressed the importance of cultural preservation, calling for the revival of the Guru Nanak Dev Chair of Sufi Studies and the promotion of local heritage and languages. Administrative efficiency was also a priority, with directives issued to streamline e-office systems and ensure the timely completion of infrastructure projects.
The University of Jammu was also recognized for its new role as a SPOKE institution under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in partnership with IIT Delhi, marking a significant milestone in its research trajectory.
