Four Kashmiri students will be able to pursue a postgraduate degree sans any fees in Gujarat University and its new Indian Institute of Sustainability (IIS).
This has become possible following an agreement made on Wednesday between the vice-chancellors of Gujarat University and the University of Kashmir. The MoU was facilitated through virtual mode by Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor Dr Himanshu Pandya and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Professor Nilofer Khan.
The selection of these four students will be based on merit. While explaining this process, the Gujarat University (GU) Vice-Chancellor Himanshu Pandya said, “The students will have to compete on the merit and they will be admitted to the courses. On the recommendation by the Kashmir University Vice Chancellor’s office, we are inviting two girl students and two boy students to our campus. They will be admitted here, free of charge.”
After getting selected for the programme, students from University of Kashmir will be able to take many post-graduate degree programmes like machine learning, artificial intelligence, horticultural entrepreneurship, and value management free of cost at the department of Gujarat University including its new Indian Institute of Sustainability (IIS).
Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor said, “There will be a mutual understanding between the two set ups. This arrangement is not complimentary. They will have to work for the credits and involve themselves in the university activities. The modalities will be decided by two departments. If a student is coming for a post-graduate degree course in the Department of Physics, then modalities will be determined by department heads of Physics of Gujarat University and University of Kashmir. The structure for admission, lodging and boarding will be the same.”
He explained, “This MoU is different in the sense that with the new National Education Policy, we now have the liberty to coordinate courses with state universities and international agencies. Based on the NSE policy we are now going to offer: joint degree, dual degree certification, training and capacity building programmes. ”
He stated, “The faculty members can come here for training and capacity building module. We can teach them. At the same time, we can have guest faculty. We can recognize them as visiting professor. They can be here for few months with their families. We can accommodate them here at the international transit house. “
The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation between the IIS and the University of Kashmir to learn and develop the core strengths of each institution. Additionally, the MOU encourages collaboration between IIS and Kashmir University in diverse areas including climate change, sustainable agriculture, rural development, and natural farming.
The University is optimistic that this MoU would help students of both the institutions explore and research areas like agriculture, entrepreneurship, sustainability, water and capacity building.
