Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur chaired the Second University Council meeting of the University of Ladakh (UoL) at Raj Niwas on January 15.

The University Council members deliberated on various agenda for the meeting, including Memorandums of Understanding signed by UoL with different institutions for cooperation and knowledge-sharing; introduction of NCC as an elective course in all constituent colleges of UoL; appointment of Prof VK Jain from University of Gujarat as Honorary Advisor, Research and Development in UoL; appointment of consultant for landscaping of UoL; introduction of PhD in three subjects in UoL; appointment of Directors of University campuses at Leh and Kargil; establishing Directorate of College Affairs and appointment of Director, College Affairs; engagement of system analyst; introduction of new post-graduate courses; university outreach programme; establishment of research centres in UoL; establishment of Tribal Research Institute in Kargil campus; formation of Ladakh Region Knowledge Cluster; deputation/transfer of employees from J&K; salary of contractual teachers and daily wagers; budget allocation for Constituent Degree Colleges and establishment of Degree College in Sankoo, Kargil.

There was deliberation on the design of the logo for the University of Ladakh and the allotment of land for both the Leh and Kargil university campuses.

Speaking during the meeting, Lt Governor Mathur, who is the Chancellor of University of Ladakh, stressed the need to introduce subjects that would directly benefit Ladakh. He highlighted the need for local knowledge and stated that the University of Ladakh should have courses on mountain studies, climate change, Central Asian studies, Buddhist studies and culture. Lt Governor Mathur also suggested the introduction of cold weather technologies to help make Ladakh functional throughout the year. Vice-Chancellor Talat Ahmad also suggested promoting Geology-based tourism in Ladakh.

During the meeting, Lt Governor Mathur stated that financial and administrative control of degree colleges rests with the University. It was decided to keep the recruitment against gazetted posts on hold till the statutes are awarded.

Lt Governor Mathur suggested Prof Mehta to explore the possibility of starting Sankoo College by integrating it as a campus of Kargil College. Lt Governor Mathur stated that the National Informatics Centre may be requested to make the National Knowledge Network functional at the earliest. Commenting on the suggestion made by the Chairman of LAHDC Kargil to introduce courses at the university campuses in Leh and Kargil based on the enrolment of students, Lt Governor Mathur stated that University of Ladakh may frame guiding principles for introducing new courses.

Earlier, Registrar, University of Ladakh, Imteeaz Kacho gave a detailed presentation on the working and achievements of the university.

Chairman, LAHDC Kargil, Feroz Ahmad; Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk; Advisor Umang Narula; Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Talat Ahmad; Vice-Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Prof RK Sinha; Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof SK Mehta; Secretary, Higher Education, Padma Angmo; Founder HIAL, Sonam Wangchuk and faculty members of the University of Ladakh attended the meeting.