| Director Colleges chairs Principals’ meet to reinforce academic, student support, governance initiatives across Jammu Division | | | 
early times report
Jammu, Jan 9: In a move to strengthen the quality architecture of Higher Education in the Union Territory, the Director Colleges J&K ,Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, chaired a marathon meeting of Principals of all Government Degree Colleges of Jammu Division to reinforce academic discipline, student support systems and governance in alignment with the Mission and Vision of the Department.
Dr. Ravinder Tickoo, Nodal Principal, Jammu Division Colleges, initiated the proceedings and apprised the gathering regarding the core objectives and agenda of the meeting. Dr. Romesh Kumar Gupta, Principal of the host institution, GGM Science College Jammu, extended a warm welcome and introduced the newly appointed Principals.
Addressing the gathering, the Director Colleges emphasized unified institutional alignment, operational excellence and the need to prioritize the welfare of students. A detailed review of the Department’s digital governance initiatives was undertaken. The Planning & Development Portal was reiterated as the single verified repository of institutional data, enabling real-time reporting, principal-level accountability and streamlined online staff services including Passport NOCs, Foreign Visit permissions, PhD approvals and CAS scrutiny. It was also highlighted that digital interventions, particularly the engagement of need-based Academic Arrangements for the current session, have significantly enhanced efficiency, ease of operations and transparency. Principals were sensitised on maintaining clean, verified and updated data for evidence-based planning and development. The Connect with Policy Planning & Development initiative was also reviewed, and college-wise performance indicators based on timely form submissions and data updation were shared.
Institutional development initiatives were reviewed, including the functioning of Institutional Innovation Councils in 79 colleges, expansion of eYantra Labs in 30 colleges in collaboration with IIT Bombay, and the rollout of SWAYAM Local Chapters to promote blended and credit-based digital learning.
On student welfare, Principals were briefed on strengthening the Mentor–Mentee Programme and the Pyramidal Sports and Co-curricular Model to ensure inclusive participation and structured talent development. The Department’s framework for countering substance abuse was also elaborated, focusing on preventive awareness, vigilant student monitoring and timely institutional support.
The SIGMA – Student Integrated Grievance and Messaging Application Portal was reviewed in detail. Principals were encouraged to enhance student registration and effective utilisation.
A major announcement was the upcoming launch of SCALE – Student Connect for Academic Leverage and Excellence initiative, to be implemented in every Government Degree College. SCALE will provide structured outreach and guidance on NEP-2020, academic progression pathways and career planning.
Developmental works across colleges were also reviewed, and Principals were advised to ensure regular monitoring and close coordination with executing agencies.
The way forward focused on academic discipline, availability of comprehensive time-tables on institutional websites, systematic maintenance of academic records and preparedness for academic audits and quality enhancement exercises.
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