SRINAGAR: IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar held a press conference today, where Regional Director Dr. A.H. Rizvi announced the completion of key activities under Swachhata Pakhwada, a government-led cleanliness drive held from September 12 to 15.
During the event, Dr. Rizvi detailed efforts to promote sanitation, waste management, and environmental awareness among staff, students, and the local community. The activities included a mass Swachhata pledge, plantation drives, pond cleaning near Dal Lake, and sanitation initiatives at Muwest School and the Regional Centre premises.
Participants signed pledges emphasizing waste segregation, proper disposal, and community involvement to foster a cleaner environment. The plantation drive aimed to enhance ecological sustainability, while the pond cleaning received praise from local residents, who urged the continuation of such initiatives.
A keynote lecture by Assistant Registrar Bhanwar Singh addressed best practices in waste management, stressing the importance of recycling and composting. The activities are part of the broader Swachh Bharat Mission, with the goal of instilling sustainable sanitation habits at the grassroots level.
Dr. Rizvi also provided updates on upcoming academic activities, including the December 2025 term-end examinations scheduled from December 1 to January 8. He confirmed that local authorities would assist in ensuring the smooth conduct of exams, including security arrangements and postal services. The deadline for July 2025 admissions and re-registration has been extended to September 30, 2025, with a late fee of Rs. 200.
The Regional Centre showcased a booklet highlighting its achievements for 2024-25, including counseling activities, over 500 viva-voce examinations, and collaborations with government agencies. Future initiatives include launching MSc programs at the Central University of Kashmir from January 2026, establishing a new study centre at SKUAST-K for agricultural programs, and partnering with Central University of Ladakh.
Dr. Rizvi emphasized the Centre’s commitment to expanding educational outreach in Kashmir and Ladakh. He thanked the media for their support and coverage, especially given the short notice, and expressed optimism about ongoing development efforts.