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IQACA Newsletter of Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Central University of Kashmir

newsletterIQACVolume 1, Issue 1

Internal Quality Assurance Cell

In pursuance of the National Action Plan of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC),

Bangalore, for performance, assessment, evaluation and accreditation of institutions of higher learning, NAAC proposes that every accredited institution should estab-lish an Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) as a pre or post accreditation quality sustenance measure. Since quality improvement is a uninterrupted route, the IQAC becomes a part of an institution’s system and work towards achieving the goals of quality sustenance and enhance-ment. The fundamental duty of the IQAC is to develop a system for alert, reliable, visible and tangible improvement in the performance of institutions. The IQAC makes a important and momentous con-tribution in the pre-accreditation phase of institution. During the pre-accreditation period, the IQAC channelizes the efforts and measures of an institution towards ac-ademic excellence. Central University of Kashmir setup an Internal Quality Assurance Cell in the year 2014. Ever since its establishment, the IQAC is keenly working towards de-veloping excellence alert milieu in the University. For achieving its objectives, the IQAC has conducted several internal meetings on issues, requirements and

The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) shall be established in all Universities/Colleges as per the UGC/ National Assessment Accreditation Council (NAAC) guidelines with the Vice Chancellor, as Chairperson (in case of universities), and Principal, as Chairperson (in case of colleges). The IQAC shall act as the documentation and record-keeping Cell for the institution including assistance in the development of the API criteria based PBAS proforma using the indicative template separately developed by UGC. The IQAC may also introduce, wherever feasible, the student feedback system as per the NAAC guidelines on institutional parameters.

6.0.11-The Gazette of India, part III, sector 4

achievements of the University, its accreditation and integration of quality in the University processes. From its inception, IQAC has been working hard to prepare the University for NAAC accreditation. Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) is pre-accreditation nodal agency for quality related activities in the University, with the main aim of in-stitutionalising long-term objectives of the University. It is to develop a system to improve the educational and organizational actions by planning involvement approach based on inputs to smoothen the progress of deci-sion-making. IQAC is non-financial resource support and acts mainly on feedbacks to create participatory and facilitative functioning, with an in-tention to build up support and channelize energy for sequencing academic activities and institutionalizing quality enhancement. IQAC is to work for change in the University; to improve level of clarity and focus in its perfor-mance; develop and put together various actions of the University; develop the work culture and accept checks and balances to examine and evaluate the degree to which its objectives are achieved in the University.

Prof. N.A. NadeemCoordinator, IQAC

Central University of Kashmir

September 2015

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Patron: VICE CHANCELLOR (PROF. MEHRAJ-UD-DIN MIR) Chief Editor: PROF. N. A. NADEEM | Ex. Editors: PROF. MOHAMMAD AFZAL ZARGAR, PROF. NAZIR AHMAD GILKAR

Associate Editor: MR. ASIF KHAN | Editorial Board: DR. SYED MOHAMMAD, MS. ISHRAT BASHIR, MR. BILAL AHMAD, MR. FAIZAN MIR

Layout and Design: MOHAMMAD YOUNIS ZARGAR

Prof. M. A. ZargarRegistrar, CUK

Quality of an educational institution can be determined by the number of the internal resources that it posses and also by the efficient usage of these resources to produce productive manpower. Universities are expected to set mission goals and objectives to guide their faculty, administration, staff, and governing bodies in making decisions related to planning, resource allocation, programs, curriculum development, student learning, other outcomes, and institutional improvements which ultimately shall deter-mine the quality of the institution. I am glad that IQAC (Internal Quality Assurance Cell) of Central University of Kash-mir committed to implement the set quality parameters of the NAAC at this institute of higher learning, has come up with first issue of IQAC Newsletter. On national and international scene, higher education has proved to be a potent force and one of the major factors responsible for development of nations. For continuous upgradation, per-formance evaluation, assessment, accreditation of institutions, and to uphold, maintain and sustain the quality of education, bodies like IQAC assume great importance. For a university set up the system needs to work towards quality enhancement and suste-nance. Initiatives like IQAC will certainly help the system to work towards realization of the these desired goals. I congratulate IQAC, its Coordinator, all its nodal officers for their efforts and hope to see it grow with efficiency and complete professionalism.

Prof. N. A. NadeemCoordinator, IQAC, CUK

Welcome to the first issue of IQAC Newsletter of Central Universi-ty of Kashmir. The aim of this publication is to keep you informed of the progress that University has already made and the new initiatives and updates concerning the sustenance and improvement of quality in Higher Education to be taken by the University. Our University is striving hard to focus on quality assurance, human brilliance, per-sonality development and social concerns is at the heart of the ed-ucational process in Central University of Kashmir. In this regard the role of Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) is important. An excellent education system is identified by the quality of its contents, pedagogies, the best practices and the output. Some innovative initiatives have been taken by the University which include Curric-ulum Transactional Strategies (CTS), Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) and Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE). Due to our concern for the quality, our University is figuring among few top universities in the list of newly established Universities. I wish IQAC nodal officers and the members of the teaching and non teaching staff better prospects, professional development and en-hanced focus on pursuit of quality education.

Prof. Mehraj-did-Din Mir Vice Chancellor

Central University of Kashmir came into being in the year 2009 by an Act of Parliament. The State Government has allotted a good chunk of land in the District Ganderbal and the efforts are on to establish its own campus on the allotted site, despite the fact the University is confronting a number of bottle-necks on this count. The University in a short span of time has become a hub of academic activities and with the help of dedicated and committed senior and young talented faculty and of course dynamic supporting staff has been in a position to carve out its space in the All India map of Higher Education. The University in pursuance of Vision - 2025 adopted by different academic bodies is working for academic expansion and diversification by widening the academic canvass on horizontal and vertical dimensions. The University puts in sustained efforts to create brand equity and offers leadership by way of differen-tiation in all its intellectual pursuits. Accordingly focus is on development of contemporary relevant curriculum and quality assurance. In this regard, the Central University of Kashmir has established Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) to sustain and improve the quality standards in its programmes at Integrated, Masters and Research Degree levels. Internal Quality Assurance Cell under the leadership of Prof. N. A. Nadeem, Dean, School of Education has taken the shape of an important Centre in the University set-up to provide academic leadership and right from its inception has organized a series of academic activities. I am happy to know that IQAC is brining out first IQAC News Letter. I congratulate Coordinator, IQAC and the entire team of IQAC for their tireless efforts and hardwork in bringing out the first issue of IQAC Newsletter highlighting the various activites conducted by the University during the recent past.I wish IQAC all the best in its academic ventures.

MESSAGE

MESSAGE MESSAGE

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Pursuant to the approval of the competent Authority, IQAC constituted under the Order No. CUKmr/Admin/14/1544 , dated 30-06-2014 is as under:-

IQAC COMPOSITION

1. Prof. N. A. Nadeem, Dean, School of Education Coordinator

2. Dr. Nazir Ahmed Gilkar, Controller of Examination Associate Coordinator

3. Mr. Syed Reyaz Rufai, Librarian Member

4. Mr Asif Khan, Coordinator, Department of Convergent Journalism Nodal Officer

5. Dr. Parvez Ahmed, Assistant Professor, Department of Urdu Nodal Officer

6. Dr Mohd. Sayid, Assistant Professor, Department of Education Nodal Officer

7. Dr Zia-ul-Haq, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies Nodal Officer

8. Mr Sheikh Nasrullah, Assistant Professor, Department of IT. Nodal Officer

9. Mr Bilal Ahmad, Assistant Professor, Department of Law Nodal Officer

10. Ms Ishrat Bashir, Assistant Professor, Department of English Nodal Officer

11. Mr Faizan Ashraf Mir, Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism Studies Nodal Officer

12. Mr Tasleem Araf Cash, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics Nodal Officer

13. Mr G.M Sufi, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics Nodal Officer

14. Mr Hilal Ahmad Najar, Assistant Professor, Department of Law Nodal Officer

15. Dr Javid Ahmed Wani, Assistant Registrar, Administration AR, IQAC

16. Mr Syed Adil Amin Andrabi, S.O, F&A Section SO, IQAC

17. Mr Owais Noor, Technical Assistant TA, IQAC

18. Mr Tajamul, Hostel Attendent Attendant, IQAC

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The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) proposes that every accredited institution should establish an Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) as a post-accreditation quality sustenance measure. Since quality enhancement is a continuous process, the IQAC is supposed to become a part of

the institution’s system and work towards realisation of the goals of quality enhancement and sustenance. The prime task of the IQAC is to develop a system for conscious, consistent and catalytic improvement in the overall performance of institutions.

OBJECTIVESThe primary aim of IQAC is:1. To develop a system for conscious, consistent and catalytic action to improve the academic and administrative

performance of the institution. 2. To promote measures for institutional functioning towards quality enhancement through internalization of

quality culture and institutionalization of best practices.

IQAC SHALL EVOLVE MECHANISMS AND PROCEDURES FOR3. Ensuring timely, efficient and progressive performance of academic, administrative and financial tasks;4. The relevance and quality of academic and research programmes;5. Equitable access to and affordability of academic programmes for various sections of society;6. Optimization and integration of modern methods of teaching and learning;7. The credibility of evaluation procedures;8. Ensuring the adequacy, maintenance and proper allocation of support structure and services;9. Sharing of research findings and networking with other institutions in India and abroad.

FUNCTIONS OF IQAC 1. Development and application of quality benchmarks/parameters for various academic and administrative ac-

tivities of the institution;2. Facilitating the creation of a learner-centric environment conducive to quality education and faculty maturation

to adopt the required knowledge and technology for participatory teaching and learning process;3. Arrangement for feedback response from students, parents and other stakeholders on quality-related institu-

tional processes;4. Dissemination of information on various quality parameters of higher education;5. Organization of inter and intra institutional workshops, seminars on quality related themes and promotion of

quality circles;6. Documentation of the various programmes/activities leading to quality improvement; 7. Acting as a nodal agency of the Institution for coordinating quality-related activities, including adoption and

dissemination of best practices;8. Development and maintenance of institutional database through MIS for the purpose of maintaining /enhanc-

ing the institutional quality;9. Development of Quality Culture in the institution;10. Preparation of the Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR) as per guidelines and parameters of NAAC, to

be submitted to NAAC.

An overviewI n t e r n a l Q u a l i t y A s s u r a n c e C e l l

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Since its establishment in 2014, five board meetings of Internal Quality Assurance cell have been convened so far. In the first meeting, the Coordinator, IQAC made a Power-point presentation on the aims and objectives of IQAC. A detailed account on the functioning of IQAC was discussed. Also, various parameters for NAAC

accreditation of the University were thoroughly discussed. Many important measures were suggested by the mem-bers of IQAC for acquiring a good grade in the first NAAC accreditation. Some of these are:

• Project/Dissertation work to be introduced in each P. G. Programme.• Mentoring system to be introduced.• Curriculum Transactional Strategy to be adopted by each department of the university.• The process of granting financial assistance to faculty for Minor Research Projects to be expedited so as to

enable the university to get the project reports within next three months.• Teaching methodology to be supplemented by Computer, A-V, Multimedia, ICT, CAL, Internet & other mate-

rials.• Evaluation of the teachers by students to be introduced on priority basis.• Standard Research Journals to be made available for each discipline in the Library.• Automation of the library to be completed at the earliest.• Smart classroom to be provided to each department.• Analysis of Enrolment (Year wise) with reference to disadvantaged community /Women/Physically Chal-

lenged/Economically weaker Section/Sports Personnel be undertaken.• Collaboration activities to be promoted by each department at local/State/National/ International levels.• Value added courses on Life Skills, Personality Development, Community Orientation and Good Citizenship

to be launched.• Coaching for NET/SET, GATE, CAT, GMAT and other competitive examinations to be arranged by the uni-

versity.

In the subsequent meetings, different issues pertaining to the quality education in the university were analysed. The meetings focused on the introduction of innovative and best practices, activation of quality circles in the various departments of the university, introduction of the Choice Based Credit System(CBCS), development of CTS and e-content. The existing mission and vision document was also reviewed and discussed. Some of the decisions taken in these meetings are:

• To organise a seminar on Quality Concerns in Higher Education, that is scheduled for the month of September 2015.

• To conduct Teacher Evaluation by students which was subsequently done on December 11, 2014.

• Celebration of National Education Day which was celebrated on November 11, 2014 and a symposium on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s Contribution to Education, was organised.

IQAC Board Meetings

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CUK holds workshop on Rajbhasha Hindi February 2015

Former Head Department of Hindi, Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar, Prof. Vinod Taneja, said that lan-guage doesn’t belong to any particular religion and caste and it is for all the people of the world.“Language is a medium to communicate and understand each other properly and if one person fails to make an-other comprehend what he intends to communicate, then

his mode of communication is flawed,” Prof. Taneja said while addressing the participants of a one-day workshop on “Rajbhasha Hindi” organised by the Central Univer-sity of Kashmir (CUK) at its Sonwar Transit Campus.CUK Registrar, Prof. Muhammad Afzal Zargar, Con-troller of Examinations/Finance Office, Dr. Nazir A Gilkar, Hindi Adhikari, Ms. Sakina Akhter and other administrative officers were present in the inaugural function. He said the language should be very simple and people during interaction with each other should avoid words which are difficult to grasp. Prof. Taneja said that dialects change from one area to another within a State.CUK Registrar, Prof. Muhammad Afzal Zargar, said that the institution progress is directly linked with the capacity building of the employees. Controller of Exam-inations/Finance Office, Dr. Nazir A Gilkar, presented the vote of thanks and said the people should be inquisi-tive to learn the new languages, including Hindi.

CUK holds symposium on Iqbal DayApril 2015

The Central University of Kashmir’s Directorate of Stu-dents Welfare (DSW) in collaboration with the Depart-ment of Urdu commemorated Iqbal Day by organizing a one-day symposium on “Iqbal Ka Tasawur-e Khudi” at its Magarmal Bagh Academic Block.Urdu Department, Coordinator, Prof. N A Malik, pre-sided over the function which was also attended by

Controller of Examinations, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Gilkar, Director Department of Students Welfare, Dr. Fayaz A Nikka, Librarian, Mr. Riyaz Rufaie, Coordinator, De-partment of Convergent Journalism, Mr. Asif Khan, Cultural Coordinator, Mr. Ihsan Malik other faculty, staff members and students of various departments.Addressing the gathering, Urdu Department, Coordina-tor, Prof. N A Malik said that the message conveyed by Sir Muhammad Iqbal through his poetry and other works wasn’t for any particular religion, community, group or discipline, but was for masses. “Iqbal was for all,” Prof. Malik remarked. He said that of all the fine philosoph-ical thoughts that Iqbal gave, “Khudi” has come to be known as the pride of his philosophy. Khudi, to Iqbal, is the inseparable soul and spirit of humanity. “It is this very concept which when awakened in someone, not only does it revolutionize the person, but through this it provides the human society with the true essence and

CUK Events

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meaning of existence,” Prof. Malik added.DSW Director, Dr. Fayaz A Nikka while speaking on the occasion said that Sir Muhammad Iqbal’s message still holds relevance in the contemporary world. “De-spite drastic change in the situation across the globe, the message of Iqbal still hold true for every individual,” Dr. Fayaz A Nikka said.

DCJ Assistant Prof. Mr. Rashid Maqbool paid glowing tributes to the Poet of the East by reciting Kalam-e-Iqbal. Officiating Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mehraj udDin and Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar conveyed their good wishes to the organizers for the success of the event.

Scriptwriting workshop at DCJ-CUKApril 2015A three-day workshop on ‘Film and documentary scriptwriting’ was conducted at Department of Conver-gent Journalism (DCJ), Central University of Kashmir (CUK).The students of fourth semester participated in the workshop with focus on various technical aspects of script writing. Noted filmmaker, Dr. Dilnawaz Muntazir of the Partav feature film fame, was the resource person for the workshop. Dr. Muntazir delved into the basics of script writing, including various formats, with emphasis on genre of news and current affairs.On the inaugural day, Dean Media Studies, Prof. S. Fayyaz appreciated the initiatives of the department for conducting practical oriented activities. “Such work-shops serve the purpose of bridging the gap between classroom and industry. Involving experts from the field

help supplement theory classes with practical orienta-tion,” Prof. Fayyaz added. Coordinator, DCJ, Asif Khan reiterated the need for practical-oriented workshops. “In the courses like media studies, there is a dire need for facilitating interaction of students with experts from the field. Our department has always laid emphasis on conducting activities like field trips and exhaustive workshops to prepare students to meet industry challenges,” Khan added.

CUK holds 3rd ESE workshop May 2015The Examination and Evaluation wing of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) organised 3rd Post-ESE workshop on Examinations & Evaluation Reforms at its Nowgam Academic block.The theme of the workshop was “Examination and Evaluation Reforms-Changing Priorities with special reference to NEP-2015 Proposals.”Dr. Nazir Ahmad Gilkar, Controller Examination de-livered the welcome address and introduced the theme of the workshop. He stressed on the quality in teach-ing-learning process, which has an impact on the eval-uation process. Dr. Gilkar further stated that the aim of this workshop is twin-fold. “First to make an introspec-tion so far as academic activity in University is con-cerned. Secondly to be inspired by senior most faculty, in preparing the junior faculty for future.”While delivering the keynote address, Prof. Sudhan-shu Bhushan from NUEPA stated that the whole poli-cy of teaching-learning process has been impacted by positivism. He further elaborated that vital function at higher-level education is to develop the character and

personality of students rather focus only on norma-tive significance. The prosperity of students can’t be achieved by scientific rationality alone, but imbibing values among them.The workshop was presided over by Prof. Mehraj-udDin Mir, officiating Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir who deliberated on the successful working of university even after facing so many difficulties. He also praised the transparent system of examination.

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CUK holds social service camp for devotees at Kheer Bhawani May 2015

The Central University of Kashmir (CUK) set up a so-cial service camp to serve refreshments to the devotees attending Mela Kheer Bhawani.Scores of devotees including women and children thronged the camp established by the CUK, and con-sumed the refreshment served by the student volunteers.

Speaking on the occasion, CUK officiating Vice-Chan-cellor, Prof. Mehraj udDin said that as the designated campus of the varsity is in Ganderbal district, the Uni-versity is humbled to serve the devotees coming from all parts of the country to attend the Mela.He hailed the volunteers and Directorate of Students Welfare, Director, Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Nikka, for their significant role and effective coordination in providing the refreshment to the devotees.Describing the camp as a success, CUK Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar said the camps, such as this one, would become a regular feature by the University as part of its Institutional Social Responsibility towards the society. He thanked the district, civil and police administration for their assistance and support.

CUK Chancellor calls on GovernorMay 2015

Dr. Srikumar Banerjee, Chancellor of the Central Uni-versity of Kashmir (CUK) met the Governor, Mr. N.N. Vohra, who is Chancellor of the Central University of Jammu (CUJ), at Raj Bhavan. He was accompanied by Prof. Mehraj-udDin, officiating Vice-Chancellor, Cen-tral University of Kashmir.During the meeting, Dr. Banerjee discussed with the Governor the infrastructural difficulties being faced in the construction of CUK campus at Ganderbal.The two Chancellors also exchanged views and experi-ences about the larger issues and challenges, which are being faced in the advancement of the higher education in Jammu and Kashmir.For ensuring rapid and balanced growth of the Central Universities, the two Chancellors agreed that all nec-essary steps should be taken to advance collaborations between the two Central Universities and the other State and private Universities to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.Later, the Chancellor, who was flanked by the officiating

V-C CUK, Prof. Mehraj udDin, and Registrar, Prof. Mu-hammad Afzal Zargar, viewed the presentations made by the Dean, Heads and Coordinators of the newly es-tablished departments of Physics, Zoology and Biotech-nology of the Central University of Kashmir, at admin-istrative block Sonwar.Those who made presentations included, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, Dean School of Life Sciences, Prof. A M Wani, Coordinator, Department of Information Technology, Prof. Sheikh Showkat, Head Department of Law, Cen-tral University of Kashmir, Prof. Azim, Prof. Fayaz Ah-mad, Prof. Fayaz, Dr. M Sayid from Department of Ed-ucation CUK, Mr. Asif Khan, Coordinator, Department of Convergent Journalism.The Chancellor made certain observations about the syllabi framed by the respective department for these new courses and asked them to make certain changes accordingly.Several subject experts from the University of Kashmir and ex faculty members of the KU who were also pres-ent during the presentation shared their valuable sugges-tions about the syllabi of these courses.In the evening, the Chancellor along with the Vice-Chan-cellor and Registrar of the CUK met Education Minis-ter, Mr. Nayeem Akhter Andrabi and discussed issues including extrapolation of University towards the pro-gress and development of school education.

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DCJ, CUK students interact with experts from US June 2015Department of Convergent Journalism, Central Uni-versity of Kashmir organised technical-cum-interactive sessions on ‘Journalism for Social Change’ and ‘Online Journalism’ for the students of second and fourth semes-ter. Prof Jyotika Ramaprasad, Vice Dean for Graduate Stud-ies & Research, University of Miami and Prof Martha Mosha of University of Bostwana were the resource persons for the sessions held in the media lab of the de-partment. In the first technical session, Prof Jyotika gave an ex-haustive presentation on the role of communication in facilitating social change with examples from her per-sonal experience as a researcher working with HIV pos-itive patients in Uganda. She talked about the communication solutions for glob-al issues. Prof Jyotika referred to the concepts of devel-opment communication including dominant paradigm and participatory discourse. She stressed on the need to understand the structural and other constraints in order to work around them to bring social changes. She also emphasized on the importance of communication ex-pertise in the success of social welfare projects. In the second technical session, Prof Jyotika also gave a lecture on the different research approaches and meth-ods of data collection. In the post-lunch session, Prof Martha Mosha gave a detailed presentation on the basics of online journalism while drawing examples from her native country, Bost-wana. She talked about different aspects of online jour-nalism including content production and maintenance. Martha also referred to the various ethical issues related

to social media. Earlier, during the introductory session, Dean, School of Media Studies, Prof S. Fayyaz hailed the department for facilitating interaction of the resource persons with the students. “We are at a disadvantage because of our ge-ographical location and situation so such opportunities of having experts from abroad interact with the students is quite beneficial,” said Prof Fayyaz while thanking the guest resource persons for visiting the department.Welcoming the guests, Coordinator DCJ, Asif Khan said, “The department always looks forward to facilitate interactions of students with eminent people from the field so that they get to benefit from the experiences of the practitioners.” He appreciated the university administration especially Vice Chancellor and Registrar for their promptness in encouraging and facilitating such student-oriented ac-tivities in the varsity.Earlier, the two guests had a detailed interaction with Vice Chancellor, Prof Mehrajudin Mir and Registrar, Prof M Afzal Zargar .

CUK-DTS organises a 7-day field trip to LadakhJune 2015The Department of Tourism Studies organised a 7-day Field Trip to Ladakh for the students of MTM 2nd Se-mester in connection with the course titled “MTM-C206: National Tourist Circuit: Project & Viva Voce”. The main objective of the Tour was to familarize the students with the practical aspects of Tourism ranging from Itin-erary preparation to providing a pragmatic experience to students to communicate with the Community life of Ladakh. The Tour provided an opportunity for students to understand the Tourism Products of Ladakh and its untapped resources, the Home stay policy of Ladakh

and the cultural exchange facilitated by this policy. The students also interacted with the different stakehold-ers of Tourism in Ladakh to understand the desirable & undesireable changes brought about by the influx of foriegn tourists and local tourists viz-a-viz the carrying capacity of the destination. The Adventure Tourism & Religious Tourism perspective especially the Budhist culture of Ladakh was an immensely absorbing sub-ject to learn for the students. The students were able to understand the accessibility, amenities, attractions and accommodation facilities available in ladakh and their

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comparative analysis with the International standards. The students submitted a detailed Project Report for the said Tour. The Tour was Coordinated by Mr Faizan

Ashraf Mir & Mr Ashaq Hussain Najar, faculty mem-bers of the Department.

CUK’s DTS hosts AICTE Task Force workshop on curriculum in Tourism Management July 2015Central University of Kashmir (CUK) officiating Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mehraj udDin said the main ob-jective of starting the Masters in Tourism Studies pro-gramme in the varsity was to hone the skills of students aspiring to earn their livelihood through the booming tourism industry of the Valley.“Kashmir has a huge tourism potential and those opting programmes related to the tourism studies have a bright chance of getting proper employment or starting their own entrepreneurship unit,” Prof. Mehraj udDin said after inaugurating the two-day meeting of task force/ subcommittee constituted for developing curriculum for MBA/PGDM in Tourism and Travel Management. The two-day meeting of the panel of the All India Board of Hospitality and Tourism Management is being held un-der the aegis of Department of Tourism Studies (DTS) at the Sonwar administrative block of the varsity here.Prof. Mehraj udDin asked the participants to devise a common curriculum for the Tourism Studies for the Central Universities of Kashmir, Jammu and Himachal Pradesh so that the credit transfer system would be done

at ease. “As the Universities are in the process of intro-ducing Choice Based Credit System, the common cur-riculum would be beneficial for the students,” he said.He said the varsity’s Tourism Studies Department has signed MoU with IITTM and its counterpart in the CUJ and will ink more pacts with other prestigious educa-tional institutions. Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar gave a resume of the University functioning and the programmes offered. He said the University was marching ahead in academics despite several constraints. Prof. Zargar also enumerat-ed the steps taken by the University vis-à-vis introduc-tion of new courses from the current academic session.All India Board for Hospitality and Tourism Manage-ment chairman, Dr. Sitikantha Mishra said that during the two day meeting the participants would discuss the framing of the curriculum and will learn from one an-other’s expertise. “Kashmir is an ideal place to frame the curriculum for MBA/PGDM,” Dr. Sitikantha Mishra remarked and thanked the CUK for hosting the two-day meet.

DMS holds 7-day pre-placement cum personality dev workshop August 2015Central University of Kashmir (CUK) officiating Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mehraj ud Din inaugurated the pre-placement cum personality development workshop organised by the varsity’s Department of Management Studies (DMS) at Nowgam academic block.During his inaugural address, Prof. Mehraj ud Din said that besides knowledge, the students have to polish and hone their skills so that they can be differentiated from their counterparts from other institutions. He hailed the department for holding the workshop.Dean School of Business, Dr. Abdul Gani while speak-ing on the occasion said the workshop is third of its kind and similar workshops would be conducted for MBA

students in near future. Prof Gani expressed gratitude to officiating Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mehraj ud Din and Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar for their support in or-ganising the workshop. “Without their support, work-shop would not have been possible,” he said.The experts from Dreamuny Education Pvt Ltd will conduct the 7-day workshop. Mr. Areeb Khan CEO of Dreamuny also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of the event.Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, workshop coordinator, pre-sented the welcome address, while as Mr Rahul Ran-gotra carried out the proceedings and Dr Fayaz Ahmad Nika presented the vote of thanks.

Good Governance Day Celebrated in CUKAugust 2015President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, who is also the Vis-itor, Central University of Kashmir (CUK) on the occa-

sion of good governance day said that good governance is critically dependent on pre-requisites like inviolable

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adherence to rule of law, existence of participatory de-cision-making structure, responsiveness, transparency, accountability, corruption-free society, equity and in-clusiveness.Addressing the students and faculty of the CUK, along with other fellow Central Universities, higher educa-tional and research institutions, through video-confer-encing from Rashtrapati Bhawan, Shri Mukherjee while

speaking on the topic “Democracy and Governance,” said, the good governance implies a framework that has well-being of the people as its focal point. “Progressive legislations provide an enabling environment and em-power citizens to access entitlements. Some examples are the Right to Information, education, food and em-ployment,” he said.

President calls for urgent steps to improve academic management in higher-level institutionsAugust 2015Honorable President, Shri. Pranab Mukherjee said that urgent measures to improve academic management in higher-level institutions are necessary.“Is it possible to become a world power without a sin-gle world class university? In two reputed international rankings of universities, there is not a single entry from India against the top 200 places. I refuse to believe that despite having the second largest higher education sys-tem in the world, with over 700 universities and 36,000 colleges; we do not have even one truly outstanding institution. The fault lies in our casual approach. The rankings process should be taken seriously. A high rank can boost the morale of the academic community and open greater avenues of growth and placement for stu-dents. It can help attract the best faculty from India and

abroad and provide a benchmark for continuous quality enhancement,” Shri. Pranab Mukherjee remarked while addressing the faculty and students of various higher ed-ucational institutions across India, including the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) through videoconference.

CUK holds 12th FC, discusses financial mattersAugust 2015The 12th Finance Committee (FC) meeting of the Cen-tral University of Kashmir (CUK) was held at Sonwar administrative campus with officiating Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mehraj ud Din, in chair.The meeting was attended by Mr. Muhammad Shafi Pandit, Ex Chairman JKPSC, Dr. K P Singh, Joint Sec-retary UGC, Mr. Fazal Mahmood, Deputy Secretary Fi-nance MHRD, Shri. Subodh Kumar Ghildiyal, Deputy Secretary, MHRD, Mr. Abdul Hamid Banday, Executive President, J&K Bank, Dr. Nazir A Gilkar, Controller of Examination/Finance Officer (I/c), and Registrar Prof. Muhammad Afzal Zargar.In his inaugural address, Prof. Mehraj ud Din informed the participants about the overall functioning of the Uni-versity and the issues confronted by it vis-à-vis ongoing construction at the designated campus in Ganderbal. He informed the Committee members about the new inte-grated programmes launched by the University.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nazir A Gilkar, Controller of Examination/Finance Officer (I/c), gave details about the University finances and the estimated budget for the next financial year. He said the University was following all the prescribed norms with regard to the spending of money.During the meeting, the members discussed threadbare various issues pertaining to budget estimates and cam-pus construction and took several important decisions.

IQAC newsletter

12

CUK holds 17th UBC, discusses campus constructionAugust 2015

The 17th University Building Committee (UBC) meet-ing of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) was held at Sonwar administrative campus with officiating Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mehraj ud Din, in chair.The members present during the meeting included, Prof. A. M Pathan, Ex.Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Karnataka, Prof. M. Afzal Zargar, Registrar, CUK, Dr. N. A. Gilkar I/c Finance Officer, CUK, Mr. Mohammad Amin Nowshehri, Ex. Chief Engineer, R&B, J&K Gov-ernment, Mr. Munir Ahmad Khan, Ex. Chief Architect,

Govt. of J&K, Mr. Mohammad Rafiq, Zonal In-charge NBCC, and Mr. V.C. Misra Architect, M/s C.P. Kukreja, New Delhi.During his welcome address, officiating Vice-Chancel-lor, Prof. Mehraj ud Din, informed the participants about the headway made by the University on academic and other related fronts. He also divulged about the glitches faced by the varsity while executing construction work at the Ganderbal campus.Prof. Mehraj ud Din stressed upon the executing agency including Project Management Consultancy (PMC) and the concerned architects to work in unison for establish-ment of the University. He again reiterated that the Uni-versity was keen to shift the academic activities to its already designated campus.Registrar, Prof. Muhammad Afzal Zargar said the Uni-versity was facing operational difficulties as it was func-tioning from multiple rented campuses. “We want to provide every possible facility to the students and staff, but scattering of the institution, was making things diffi-cult for us,” he said.

Div Com assures support for CUK construction at GanderbalSeptember 2015Central University of Kashmir (CUK) officiating Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mehraj ud Din met the Division-al Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon and discussed in detail the ongoing construction of the permanent campus of the varsity.District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, Mr. Showkat Aijaz Bhat, CUK Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, Controller of Examinations/ I/c Finance Officer, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Gilkar, representative from NBCC and other senior officials from the district administration were also present.Dr. Samoon, assured Prof. Mehraj ud Din of full sup-port and cooperation from the government agencies and expressed the hope that the Pre Engineered Buildings (PEBs) would be constructed at the campus site within the stipulated time so that the University can shift to its permanent place. He asked the NBCC to expedite the

work and make it time bound.Dr. Samoon also asked the district administration to provide all necessary support for realizing the dream of setting up of the University at Ganderbal.Earlier, Prof. Mehraj ud Din discussed about the status of the construction on Pre Engineered Buildings (PEBs) to be set up at Ganderbal so that the academic activities could be shifted to its permanent campus immediate-ly. He also informed him about difficulty the faced by the University in executing the works on the permanent structures.CUK Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, informed the Di-visional Commissioner about the operational difficulties faced by the University. He said the University was issu-ing an advertisement to look out for a suitable structure at Ganderbal so that some academic activity of the Uni-versity could be explored there.

Coordinator, IQAC, Central University of Kashmir, Academic Block, Nowgam Campus, Srinagar-190015, J&K

E-mail: deanheadsoe@gmail.com

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