Jammu: The Joint Action Committee against the JK Public University Bill – 2022 comprised of Jammu University Teachers’ Association (JUTA), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology – Teaching Association Jammu (SKUAST-TAJ), SSTA SKUAST-Kashmir and Non-Teaching Associations of Jammu University and SKUAST-Jammu met Member of Parliament and Ex – Chief Minister, J&K Dr. Farooq Abdullah at his residence today in the presence of Babu Rampaul Former Minister and Zonal President, Rattan Lal Gupta Provincial President JKNC, Dr. Vikas Sharma Zonal Secretary/ Coordinator Jammu District (Urban) and submitted a memorandum regarding withdrawal of JK public university bill.
President SKUAST-TAJ Dr. Vikas Sharma informed the Member Parliament that when all the existing Universities of Jammu and Kashmir have been established through Bills duly discussed / passed by the erstwhile State Assembly, then why is there a need for this new Bill?
He expressed that If cleared, this bill will erase the individual identities of the existing Universities of J&K. General Secretary JUTA Dr Ravinder Singh briefed Dr. Abdullah that that this anti-varsity bill is a blow to the very concept of the University Autonomy both in administrative and academic terms as many of the provisions of the bill are retrogressive in nature and are against the academic freedom of the University.
Dr Rakesh Chib President JUNTEU termed this bill as the intention of the government to erode the autonomy of the Universities in the Union Territory of J&K. Sr. KD Singh President NTEA-J, stressed that such acts of dilution of the University governing bodies and interference into the academic / research domains of the varsities will affect the overall growth, progress / functioning of apex academic institutions.
The JACPUB extended strong resentment and displeasure for the proposed bill and informed the MP that it will not be acceptable at any cost. After giving a patient hearing to the delegation Dr. Abdullah said that the present bill will turn the highest seats of learning, which Universities are, in to mere government offices which is completely unacceptable and further assured that he will make every necessary effort for withdrawal of this anti-varsity bill.
The deputation comprised of Dr. Manoj Bhatt Vice President JUTA whereas other office bearers of non-teaching associations namely Varun Dubey, Dheeraj Rajwal, Arjun Jasrotia, Pankaj Gupta, Ram Singh, Kewal Kumar were also present.
