Jammu, July 19, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that Jammu and Kashmir has transformed into a rising hub of education and innovation, crediting the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ushering in a new era of opportunity and development in the Union Territory.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of a youth development summit at Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, the LG emphasised that J&K’s education sector is experiencing rapid modernisation, driven by investments in infrastructure, digital learning, and entrepreneurship.
“Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir is no longer on the sidelines. It is at the forefront of educational reform, research, and innovation,” LG Sinha stated.
World-Class Institutions Taking Root
The establishment and operationalisation of premier institutions like IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu, and AIIMS Jammu mark a turning point in the region’s educational landscape. These institutions are offering 21st-century education, promoting startup culture, and encouraging cutting-edge research in fields ranging from management to engineering and medical sciences.
Jammu University recently received NAAC A++ accreditation, becoming a symbol of academic excellence in the region, while the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) is gaining national recognition for its focus on innovation and skill development.
Innovation, Skill Development & Digital Classrooms
As part of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) implementation, the government has launched several initiatives, including:
- Over 2,000 smart classrooms and 600 ICT labs across government schools.
- Establishment of 45 tinkering labs and 159 STEM labs to promote scientific temper among students.
- Expansion of the PM SHRI scheme, with more than 396 model schools being developed across J&K.
In addition, Vidyya Samiksha Kendra, a real-time monitoring system, has been launched to track learning outcomes, teacher performance, and school attendance using data analytics.
Empowering Youth and Entrepreneurs
The LG also highlighted J&K’s growing startup ecosystem, driven by innovation hubs, incubation centers, and Mission Youth programmes. Initiatives like “Design Your Degree”, Skill Hubs, and Digital Learning Centres are empowering students and unemployed youth with industry-ready skills.
“Our youth are not just job seekers—they are becoming job creators,” said LG Sinha. “We are equipping them with tools for entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.”
Focus on Inclusivity and Holistic Growth
Education reforms in the Union Territory are also focused on bridging regional disparities, promoting girl child education, and enhancing access to rural and tribal students through mobile digital classrooms and online learning platforms.
The newly inaugurated Tejas Sports Complex at IIM Jammu further reflects the administration’s commitment to holistic education, combining academics with physical and mental wellness.
Conclusion
With focused policy reforms, strategic investments, and strong leadership, Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a knowledge revolution. The Union Territory is now being recognised as a national model for educational transformation, where innovation meets inclusion, and youth are empowered to shape a better tomorrow.
