Training cum Awareness Workshop on PMSSS organised at GCW Gandhinagar

JAMMU, MAY 28: To promote higher education and support the youth of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, a comprehensive Training cum Awareness Workshop for the Principals and Nodal Officers of Government Degree Colleges, Government Polytechnic Colleges, and Government Higher Secondary Schools was organized today at GCW Gandhinagar.

The initiative is part of the Special Scholarship Scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana for the Academic Session 2024-25.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman AICTE New Delhi.

In his keynote address, Dr. Abhay Jere highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and support systems to empower students from marginalized communities. He further underscored the importance of the scheme in providing equitable educational opportunities to the underprivileged youth.

The event saw active participation from almost all the educational institutions from across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

A total of 352 participants, including 51 Principles and 60 Nodal officers from colleges were registered for the event. Dr. Ajeet Angral ,Consultant SAGB New Delhi conducted insightful sessions, focusing on the key aspects of the scholarship scheme, application processes, eligibility criteria, and the overall benefits for students. The session was designed to equip the principals and nodal officers with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively implement the scholarship scheme in their respective institutions.

Prof Rajentra B.Kakde, Advisor SAGB, New Delhi said that the workshop is a critical step towards ensuring that the benefits of the Special Scholarship Scheme reach every deserving student. “The active participation and enthusiasm shown by the educational leaders reinforces our collective goal of uplifting the educational standards in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh,” Prof Rajentra added.

R K Ganju, Assistant Director, SAGB, New Delhi emphasized the importance of the PMSSS in fostering the talent of youth thereby creating a brighter future for the students of UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Laddakh.

The workshop also provided a platform for interactive discussions, where participants shared their experiences, challenges, and best practices in managing scholarship programs. These discussions aimed at fostering a collaborative approach to address any potential hurdles in the effective dissemination of the scholarship scheme.

A key highlight of the workshop was the detailed presentation on the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana, which aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections by providing financial assistance for their higher education. This scheme is a part of the government’s broader vision to create an inclusive and accessible educational environment for all.

Special Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ravi Shankar, who played a pivotal role in organizing this workshop, reiterated his commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the scholarship scheme. The department will continue to provide necessary support and resources to the educational institutions involved.

Prof S.P. Saraswat, Nodal Principal and Principal of the host College, urged the Nodal Officers to actively support and guide eligible students in availing the benefit of the scheme and offered to provide all the necessary support.

Dr. Neetu Raina, coordinator, PMSSS committee, GCW Gandhinagar, along with her team, successfully organised the workshop. Dr. Sugandha Mahajan, Assistant Professor Botany handled the stage and Dr. Kiran Kalra, Assistant Professor, English presented a formal vote of thanks.

As the workshop concluded, participants expressed their gratitude and commitment to utilizing the insights gained to better serve their students. The collective effort of all stakeholders in this workshop signifies a promising step towards creating a brighter future for the youth of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.