Amid PM’s push for virtual meetings, Jammu University’s travel plan to Poonch for Academic Council meet sparks debate

Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for austerity measures and urged institutions to minimize travel and fuel consumption in view of the ongoing Iran crisis and global uncertainty, the University of Jammu has scheduled its Academic Council meeting at Poonch Campus later this month, involving travel of a large number of officials and staff.

According to an official communication issued by the Registrar, the Academic Council meeting is scheduled to be held at Poonch Campus of the University of Jammu on May 22, 2026. The university has also planned a series of related activities during the four-day visit from May 21 to May 24.

The communication states that transportation arrangements will be made from Jammu to Poonch for participants, while accommodation, boarding and lodging will also be provided by the university.

The Academic Council headed by Vice-Chancellor Umesh Rai has about 130 members, besides several officials who would be part of the entourage. Professors of the universities and principals of the affiliated colleges are among the members of the Council.

The decision has raised questions in academic circles as it comes within days of the Prime Minister’s appeal advocating restraint in government expenditure, fuel conservation and reduced non-essential travel in the backdrop of the Iran crisis and rising geopolitical tensions.

During his recent remarks, the Prime Minister had stressed the need for departments and institutions to prefer video conferencing and virtual meetings wherever possible in order to save fuel and public resources.

Sources said that a considerable number of teaching faculty members and administrative officials are expected to travel nearly 250 kilometres from Jammu to Poonch for the meeting, leading to significant expenditure from the public exchequer on transportation, lodging and hospitality.

Critics argue that the meeting could have been conducted through virtual mode or held at the main campus in Jammu in line with the PM’s emphasis on austerity and prudent use of resources.

The official letter also mentions additional programmes during the visit, including interaction with civil society members, police and Army officials, a presentation for students and a rally on “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir.”