JAMMU, August 20, 2026 : Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired the 37th meeting of the Executive Council of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) at the university campus in Kakryal, Katra, where a series of major academic, infrastructure and student-welfare initiatives were approved.
The meeting was attended by SMVDU Vice Chancellor Prof. Pragati Kumar, University of Jammu Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai, University of Kashmir Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, Ahmedabad University Vice Chancellor and Chairman Board of Management Prof. Pankaj Chandra, Prof. A.S.K. Sinha, former Director of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, IIT Jammu Director Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, SMVDSB CEO Sachin Kumar Vaishya, SMVDU Registrar Ajay Kumar Sharma and other members of the Executive Council.
200-Bed Boys’ Hostel Gets In-Principle Approval
The Executive Council accorded in-principle approval for a 200-bed boys’ hostel at SMVDU, with the project to be funded by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).
The Council also approved the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed hostel, aimed at strengthening residential facilities for students.
Two New Academic Programmes Proposed
The Council gave in-principle approval to introduce two new academic programmes:
- B.A. LL.B. (Hons.)
- B.Tech in Food Technology
The Council also suggested exploring the possibility of offering LL.B. in conjunction with science and commerce streams, broadening academic opportunities for students with diverse educational backgrounds.
Budget and Financial Support for Students
The Executive Council adopted the university’s budget proposals for FY 2026-27 and the final audit report for FY 2024-25.
It also approved a proposal to enhance financial assistance available to students participating in national and international conferences, workshops and academic events, supporting greater exposure and participation at wider platforms.
Sports Complex to Be Developed
The Council approved the completion and development of the SMVDU sports complex in collaboration with SMVDSB.
The facility is intended to provide improved sports infrastructure for students and university employees while strengthening the institution’s focus on fitness, wellness and sports participation.
The Council also decided to finalise a five-year roadmap for SMVDU, based on a viable operating model and prepared in consultation with the Academic Council and Finance Committee.
The university’s proposed Kulgeet (institutional anthem) was also adopted.
Focus on Student Mental Health and Wellness
Reviewing the university’s academic, administrative and financial progress, the Council also considered several initiatives for the forthcoming academic sessions.
Appreciating SMVDU’s efforts in wellness, sports and youth engagement, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed the university administration to organise counselling, mental health and value-based awareness programmes for students.
He also advised the university to subscribe to online counselling platforms to provide students with accessible support whenever required.
Special Support for NSS and NCC Students
The Lieutenant Governor suggested providing academic relaxation to NSS and NCC students selected to represent the university at events of national importance.
He further recommended granting additional academic credits in recognition of their achievements and contribution.
Sinha also advocated the introduction of industry-linked vocational courses, delivered through a combination of university faculty and external experts.
The proposed courses, he suggested, should be made accessible to all students without restricting participation through minimum eligibility criteria.
Review of Construction and Academic Expansion
The Executive Council ratified the nomination of external members to the Executive Council and Academic Council of SMVDU.
It also reviewed the status of major ongoing and completed construction projects and called for their timely completion.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Pragati Kumar briefed the Council on key developments concerning student admissions, recruitment, faculty career advancement, ongoing construction projects and new academic programmes proposed for the upcoming academic session.
The decisions taken at the meeting underline SMVDU’s focus on expanding academic offerings, strengthening infrastructure, supporting student welfare and sports, enhancing industry-oriented learning and establishing a long-term institutional roadmap for sustainable growth.
