MoU focuses on grassroots upliftment of marginalised students: KU VC
SRINAGAR: To empower economically disadvantaged students by providing them access to top national law universities (NLUs) through comprehensive support and training, the Centre for Career Planning and Counselling (CCPC), University of Kashmir (KU) and Increasing Diversity by Increasing Access (IDIA) to Legal Education Charitable Trust, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here Wednesday.
The MoU was formalised in the presence of KU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan.
Representing the university, Dean, Academic Affairs, Prof Farooq Ahmad Masoodi and Director, CCPC, Prof Nazir Ahmad Dar signed the agreement, while CEO, IDIA, Sabah Mistry and Director, IDIA, J&K, Suhaib Salman signed on behalf of IDIA.
The aim is to identify and support marginalised students with a passion for law, an official statement issued here read.
The initiative will involve sensitisation sessions, rigorous training, securing sponsorships and scholarships and offering mentorship to guide these students towards successful careers in the legal field, a spokesperson said in the statement.
The University of Kashmir will facilitate the establishment of an official IDIA Chapter, which will function as the ‘Kashmir Chapter’, it read.
KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan appreciated the initiative, highlighting its focus on the grassroots upliftment of marginalised students through legal literacy.
“We will engage in a variety of joint projects, workshops, seminars and initiatives aimed at promoting legal awareness, career planning and community engagement,” Prof Khan said while emphasising the varsity’s ongoing work in supporting students with disabilities.
Speaking on the significance of the MoU in advancing academic pursuits, Dean, Academic Affairs, Prof Farooq Ahmad Masoodi, highlighted the potential for further academic collaboration, particularly in the field of legal education, between KU and other law universities.
“This collaboration will create further opportunities, including fellowships and internships at various reputed law institutes,” he added.
CEO, IDIA, Sabah Mistry, spoke about the organisation’s inception, which was driven by the need to increase diversity and inclusivity in top law schools in India.
“IDIA will assist students from the region in pursuing law at top NLUs, with more than 40 seats reserved under UG and PG courses for students from Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
Outlining the future course of action, Director, CCPC, Prof Nazir Ahmad, ensured that the initiative would reach and assist students throughout the Kashmir Valley.
“The collaboration will also extend to local schools, where CCPC and IDIA will conduct sensitisation programmes and coaching sessions, particularly focusing on students in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades,” he said.
Director, IDIA, J&K, Suhaib Salman, shared the challenges faced by first-generation lawyers from conservative families.
He said, “With the right support and mentorship, like that IDIA and CCPC provide, cracking the CLAT exam and pursuing legal education from top NLUs will become more accessible for valley students.”
The university community and other stakeholders appreciated the efforts being put in place for the benefit and upliftment of the marginalised and the economically disadvantaged students.