Jammu, May 16 (Reporter) In a first of its kind initiative, the University of Jammu on Thursday nodded the proposal for PhD in Engineering and Technology at the Academic Council (AC) meeting presided over by its Vice Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai here. The Academic Council discussed a number of important initiatives aimed at advancing academic excellence and institutional growth. As per the official communiqué, during the meeting, Prof Rahul Gupta, Registrar, University of Jammu placed 21 agenda items along with the Action Taken Report on the minutes of the previous meeting before the Academic Council. To augment the research initiative of the University, for the first time in the faculty of Engineering and Technology, the proposal submitted by the Office of Dean Research Studies with respect to the introduction of Ph.D Programme in Engineering and Technology at GCET/MIET (Autonomous College/Institute)/UIET was unanimously endorsed by the Academic Council. For this purpose a separate BORS in Engineering and Technology shall be constituted by the University. The Academic Council as per the handout endorsed in principle the scheme for graduation and post graduation courses in Disaster Management for Instructors at High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS), Gulmarg. This scheme is designed for serving army instructors with specialized skills and well prepared individuals capable of leading and cooperating effective disaster response efforts in challenging environments. The University of Jammu and High Altitude Warfare School of Army at Gulmarg have entered into MOU for technical advancement and progression of army personnel, University students and faculty members specifically in the disciplines of high altitude studies and disaster management in mountainous regions. The item with regard to the institution of Late S.D. Rohmetra Memorial Gold Medal, one for male and one for female topper in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, with effect from the first passing out batch was endorsed by the Academic Council. It also approved a touch and smell garden for visually impaired students at the Botanical Garden at the University, an initiative of the Department of Botany. During the meeting, the revival of one year P.G diploma in Sanskrit in the Post Graduate Department of Sanskrit for syndicate was also endorsed. The item with regard to grant of maternity leave/childcare leave to the students pursuing the teacher education courses i.e. B.Ed, M.Ed, B.P.Ed., M.P.Ed. BA.B.Ed from the academic session 2024-2025 onwards as per NCTE norms was also endorsed by the Academic Council. The Academic Council also gave nod to devising and formulating selection criteria of engagement of contractual faculty in order to make the process more objective and to have rigorous qualification assessment. Besides, the Academic council also endorsed the items with regard to increase/decrease of intake capacity, fees of self-enhancing, change of eligibility criteria and open courses of various P.G programmes, revision of guidelines for the admission of International Students in the University, adoption of Guidelines on Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme (MMTTP) in the University of Jammu, along with many other items. The Academic Council unanimously nominated Prof. Rajeev Rattan, Director Colleges Development Council, to work on the Syndicate for the remaining triennial period of 2024-27 of the University Syndicate of the University of Jammu in pursuance of section 23 (1) (VIII) of Kashmir and Jammu Universities Act, 1969. At the outset Prof. Rai, welcomed the members of the Academic Council, acknowledging their invaluable contributions and also expressed gratitude to the outgoing members. He commended the collaborative efforts of the Office of the Dean Academic Affairs and all the heads of the teaching departments in streamlining the academic calendar of the University. Highlighting the pioneering initiatives of the University, Prof Rai underscored the commendable success of the “Design Your Degree Programme,” which garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative approach and received accolades from the Parliament Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports. The Vice Chancellor also informed the house that a corpus of Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned to various clubs under Utsah and Rs 50 lakhs for Litzin Magazine. Earlier, Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, delivered a formal welcome address. The Academic council meeting was attended by Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean Planning and Development, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, Deans of various Faculties, Rectors of Off-Site Campuses, Directors and Heads of the Departments, Conveners of Boards of Studies, senior officers, and other officials of the University...////...