CM Omar Abdullah Congratulates Kashmir University on Securing Prestigious UGC Category-I Status
Says Recognition Reflects Academic Excellence, Research Strength and Institutional Growth; Calls It a Landmark Achievement for Higher Education in J&K
Srinagar, July 29 (KNC): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday congratulated the University of Kashmir after it was granted the prestigious Category-I status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the UGC (Categorisation of Universities for Grant of Graded Autonomy) Regulations, 2018, describing the recognition as a landmark achievement for higher education in Jammu and Kashmir.
In his congratulatory message, the Chief Minister extended his best wishes to the Vice Chancellor, faculty members, students, researchers and the entire University fraternity for achieving the coveted status, which reflects the institution’s sustained commitment to academic excellence, quality research and overall institutional development.
Omar Abdullah said the recognition stands as a testimony to the dedication, perseverance and collective efforts of generations of educators, scholars, researchers and students who have played a vital role in establishing the University of Kashmir as one of the country’s leading centres of higher learning.
He noted that the University’s elevation to Category-I status marks a significant milestone in its academic journey and further strengthens Jammu and Kashmir’s position on the national higher education landscape.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the new status would open fresh avenues for innovation, academic expansion and global collaboration, enabling the University to further enhance the quality of education and research while preparing students to meet emerging national and international challenges.
With the grant of Category-I status, the University of Kashmir will enjoy the highest level of regulatory autonomy under the UGC’s graded autonomy framework. The recognition empowers the University to independently design and launch new academic programmes, introduce open and distance learning courses, establish academic and research collaborations with institutions in India and abroad, and recruit foreign faculty members without seeking prior approval from the UGC.
The enhanced autonomy is expected to provide greater flexibility in academic governance, curriculum development, research initiatives and institutional planning, paving the way for accelerated growth and improved global competitiveness.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the University would continue to uphold its tradition of academic excellence and make greater contributions towards knowledge creation, research, innovation and the overall development of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir and the country.(KNC)
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