KU strengthens amenities for students

Procures fleet of new buses for students’ convenience, safety

Srinagar, Sep 15 (KNO): To strengthen the amenities being provided to the students of the main and satellite campuses, the University of Kashmir acquired a fleet of new buses for the convenience and safety of the students from far-flung areas.

According to a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Nilofer Khan inaugurated the fleet of eight (8) new buses here at the main campus in a ceremonial way while taking a ride around the main campus dedicating the fleet for ferrying university students to and fro the satellite campuses.

Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Farooq Ahmad Masoodi; Dean, Research, Prof Irshad Ahmad Nawchoo; Dean, College Development Council, Prof Khursheed Ahmad Butt; Registrar, University of Kashmir, Dr Nisar Ahmad Mir; Provost (Boys), University of Kashmir, Prof Aijaz Ahmad Wani and Special Secretary to the Vice Chancellor, Dr Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri besides other university officials accompanied the vice chancellor and took the ceremonial ride.

On the occasion, the vice chancellor said that on the demand of the students, the university ordered the buses for the convenience and benefit of the student community.

“Students had travel issues and some of our vehicles were very old to ply on the roads — it’s with that spirit, the university ordered these new buses to make the travel experience of our students safer and more convenient,” she said.

Prof Nilofer Khan said the buses will ferry students to and fro the South Campus, Anantnag and the North Campus Baramulla and also ferry the students of Institute of Technology (IoT), Zakura Campus for their day-to-day activities.

“Besides providing good academic and research facilities, the university is committed to providing other facilities of convenience including hostel and transport that will be further strengthened in the days to come,” the vice chancellor asserted.

While thanking the State Motor Garage Jammu and Kashmir in helping procure the fleet, Prof Nilofer Khan advised students to stay focussed on their academics, research and extra-curricular activities and assured of more such facilities for the student community.

“Our students are highly talented and hardworking. They should make the best use of their time while ensuring judicious use of the facilities the university has in place for them,” she maintained.

Wishing students a safe and happy commute, she hoped this latest move of procuring new buses for the convenience of the university students will benefit them a lot with good memorable travel experiences—(KNO)

Contractual Faculty of SKUAST- Kashmir Paid Less Than Promised

We Have Taken Up Matter With Govt, Hopeful About Early Resolution: VC

Srinagar, Sept 15(GNS): Contractual Faculty of SKUAST- Kashmir on Friday said that they are being paid lesser than what was promised and that too despite the advertisement of the varsity offering hiked monthly emoluments.

Facing difficulties on various counts in managing the day to day affairs amid sky-rocketing prices of daily requirements, the contractual faculty members have urged the government to intervene and “do the needful” so that they are paid what was promised to them. They alleged that they are also “discriminated” as their counterparts of SKUAST- Jammu are paid as per the revised pay.

“We are being paid Rs 28,000 as our monthly salary and this is despite the fact that hon’ble former Vice Chancellor hiked it for non PhD candidates to Rs 35,000 and for PhD candidates to Rs 45000 respectively and the order for the same was issued on 5 August 2021,” they said.

Later, they said, the contractual posts were re-advertised against the “revised salary” through an advertisement in October 2021, clearly offering Rs 45000 per month in case of PhD and Rs 35000 in case of M.Sc candidates “in light of the University Memo issued vide no. AU/Adm/(GAD) 21/9471-9530 dated 05-08-2021.”

“We were selected through proper channel and we should have been paid Rs 45000 and Rs 35000 respectively as our salary as per the given criteria,” they said, adding, “As on date, we continue to get the same meagre salary of Rs 28000 incase of PhD candidates and Rs 20000 for M.SC etc.”

They said that they have brought the issue into the no SKUAST-K administration time and again but to no avail.

“There response is the decision is to be ratified by Board of Management of the varsity,” they said and at the same time questioned as to why the varsity then issued the advertisement offering revised monthly emoluments of Rs 45000 and Rs 35000 respectively.

“Also, similar order was for SKUAST-J and why the similar faculty is being paid as per hiked emoluments. It is sheer discrimination against us. Isn’t it?” they said, adding, “Can they apply different yards sticks for SKUAST-K and SKUAST-J faculty.”

When contacted, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ah. Ganai told GNS that the matter has been taken up with the government through the Secretary Finance department. “We are pursuing the matter with the Finance department,” he said, adding, “We are working hard and are hopeful that the matter is resolved very soon.”

Asked if the varsity was not at fault by inviting application against revised monthly emoluments and then paying lesser than what was promised to them, he said, “We are concerned. We know that they are being paid less but at the same time we have already taken up the matter with the government and are hopeful that the matter is resolved very soon.” (GNS)

DSEK asks school heads not to make students wait in queues for hours for reception of officials, guests

Riyaz Bhat

Srinagar, Sept 15 (KNO): School Education Department Friday said that the government-run-institutions should not disrupt academic hours and mental as well as emotional health of students on joining or visiting of any official wherein students are made to stand for hours together in queues for their reception.

According to a circular, issued by Director of School Education Kashmir Tassaduq Hussain Mir =, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) it has been observed that when any officer visits any school or Education institution, students are made to stand for hours together in queues on both sides of the path for reception and made to wait outside the classes during any function.

The circular reads that the department has also observed that the visiting officer or guest is being offered artificial floral bouquet or garlands made of non-biodegradable material which overburdens the environment during its disposal

“During the conduct of different functions in the school, a lot of expenses are incurred on the hospitality and catering arrangements for the guests or officers that doesn’t befit the school ambience at all and it also tempts the students who are not offered such eatables during the event which is a clear-cut discrimination,” it reads.

It added that whenever a new officer joins any office or school, the artificial garlands are offered in bulk and lot of time is consumed in the process of welcoming the incumbent.

“Such practices can indeed be considered questionable for several reasons viz., its ill effects on the student’s opportunity time, learning disruption, productivity loss, negative impact on the self-esteem of students, mental and emotional health of students etc.”

It reads that instead institutions should strive to create an environment where both students and guests feel valued and respected. “Implementing efficient, respectful, and innovative guest reception methods can contribute to a better overall experience for everyone involved.”

It further reads that on the contrary, if at all there is a need of offering some welcome token to the guests or officers it can be done with a simple natural flower and so far as the catering is considered, it should be very simple and modest cup of tea and snacks.

“DSEK impresses upon all the functionaries of the department especially mid-level managers, school heads and teachers to refrain from such practices in future and be highly modest during such events,” it added—(KNO)