Jammu, Nov 20: In an attempt to keep pace with the academic trends in other cities, the Jammu and Kashmir government is focusing on introducing job related courses in the professional and vocational institutions in the state. "To facilitate students to pursue their higher education, the government has, for the first time, introduced post graduate courses in several colleges in Srinagar, degree colleges at Anantnag, Baramulla, Kathua and Udhampur," principal secretary planning and development, Vijay Bakaya said yesterday.

He said the government has launched an ambitious program for modernization of existing polytechnics and ITI's for vocational training and has introduced new courses to meet the requirements of the job market. About Rs 9.40 crore have been proposed for development of infrastructure to promote sports activities in colleges of the state, he said adding besides, Rs 1.77 crore has also been given as grant-in-aid to sports council to create the required infrastructure of mini stadia.

Bureau Report