Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 3

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed University of Jammu professor Rajeev Rattan Sharma as the inaugural Vice-Chancellor of Sindhu Central University in Ladakh, the Union Ministry of Education said on Friday.

The appointment was made by the President in her capacity as the Visitor of the newly established central university, according to a communication issued by the Department of Higher Education.

Sharma will serve a five-year term from the date he assumes office, or until attaining the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier, the ministry said.

The ministry said the terms and conditions of his appointment would be governed by the provisions of the Sindhu Central University Act, as well as the institution’s statutes, ordinances and other applicable regulations.

Sindhu Central University, headquartered in Ladakh, was established by the federal government to expand access to higher education and research in the Union Territory following its creation in 2019 after the reorganisation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sharma, a senior academic at the University of Jammu, becomes the first person to lead the institution as it prepares to commence academic and administrative operations.

The university is expected to play a key role in promoting higher education, research, innovation and skill development in the ecologically and strategically significant Himalayan region while supporting the Union Territory’s long-term educational and socio-economic development.