JAMMU, Nov 15 (Agencies): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday praised J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for his role in streamlining the academic system and strengthening institutional accountability in Jammu and Kashmir’s higher education sector.
Addressing the maiden Convocation of Cluster University (CU) of Jammu at Abhinav Theatre, Omar, who was the special guest at the occasion said LG Sinha’s personal commitment over the past several years to streamlining academic calendars, ensuring regular convocations and aligning higher education with national benchmarks brought much-needed discipline and momentum to campuses.
The Chief Minister, who was addressing the gathering in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor, acknowledged his contribution towards improving the functioning of higher education institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to LG Sinha’s academic background as an alumnus of IIT-BHU, CM Omar said J&K LG brought a keen appreciation of academic rigour, institutional accountability and the transformative potential of public universities.
He said these priorities were crucial for strengthening the higher education ecosystem and ensuring that universities remained aligned with national academic standards.
CM Omar said the elected government was aware that unemployment was the greatest anxiety facing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Whenever I travel across the region, from Kathua and Samba to Udhampur, Akhnoor, Baderwah, Rajouri and Mender young graduates hand me their resumes and ask me quite fairly, we have earned our degrees, where do we go from here,” he said.
Omar further said that he will not offer “hollow slogans” or pretend government jobs alone can absorb every graduate.
“Across India and the world, public employment accounts for only 2-4 percent of the workforce,” he added.
He said while J&K government was committed to expediting transparent, time-bound recruitment, true prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir will come when our youth transition from being solely job seekers to becoming value creators, innovators and entrepreneurs.
“My government is determined to back those of you who take this leap by strengthening start-ups, simplifying clearances and improving credit access,” he said.
He asked the graduating students that financial security and professional recognition have their rightful place, but education without character was like a ship without a rudder.
“My government is committed to providing the autonomy, faculty strength and infrastructure our universities need to become genuine engines of knowledge and regional problem solving,” he added.