Srinagar, Sep 25: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir), ranked 3rd best SAU in the country, has emerged as a nationally recognised institution committed to excellence in education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and outreach, with the larger aspiration of becoming a globally connected agricultural university.
As the University expands the horizons of its students through emerging disciplines, technology, research, startups and new opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors, it is equally conscious of their aspirations for meaningful employment and career progression concerning recruitment opportunities, eligibility criteria, vacancies and career avenues in agriculture, forestry and allied sectors.
The University understands the aspirations behind these concerns. Students who undertake specialised professional education naturally expect appropriate opportunities to utilise their qualifications and build their careers. The University respects the right of students to articulate their concerns peacefully and democratically.
SKUAST-K said that many of the issues being raised relate to recruitment rules, eligibility and filling of posts, which fall within the domain of the Government and other competent authorities.
The University will, therefore, appropriately take up the genuine concerns of its students and graduates with the concerned authorities, providing necessary academic and factual inputs wherever required.
At the same time, it is important for the student community to recognise the larger transformation taking place at SKUAST-K, which is emerging as the brand institution of the Jammu and Kashmir.
The University’s aspiration is to build a globally connected and internationally benchmarked agricultural university. This is opening a much wider canvas of career opportunities for students—not only in conventional public-sector employment, but also in research, higher education, emerging technologies, startups, agribusiness, industry, international careers and new-age agricultural enterprises.
The University believes that this larger transformation, which is intended to expand the professional horizons of its students, deserves the understanding and support of students, parents, public representatives and all other stakeholders.
The University has also noted the engagement of political representatives and other external actors with some student demonstrations. SKUAST-K respects the democratic role of elected representatives and their right to raise matters of public interest.
At the same time, student and academic matters are best addressed through direct dialogue of students with the University and the competent Government authorities.
External political involvement in campus-related issues can inadvertently shift a genuine academic or employment concern into a wider political contestation.
The University therefore respectfully appeals to political parties, public representatives and other external stakeholders to allow institutional mechanisms to address these concerns without politicising the academic space.
The University will continue to engage with its students and pursue matters falling within its institutional mandate. Students are also requested to maintain dialogue and ensure that teaching, examinations, research and other academic activities are not disrupted.
