HPU moves toward full digitalisation

In a major step toward digital transformation, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) has begun the implementation of the SAMARTH-ERP portal, a flagship initiative under the National Mission on Education through ICT, launched by the Union Ministry of Education. As part of this transition, all teaching and non-teaching staff, including Heads of Departments (HODs) and Controlling Officers, have been instructed to submit their basic employee details on the portal.

The decision regarding the implementation of the portal was taken during the Executive Council meeting held on September 28, 2024.

According to a circular issued by Registrar Gian Sagar Negi, all key personnel must fill in their details within the next 10 days. The Establishment Branch will then verify and update the submitted data, while the Computer Centre In-Charge will provide access credentials to Controlling Officers and Dealing Assistants. The verification process is to be completed within one month of data submission.

In addition, all university departments and branches have been directed to submit their internal office hierarchy in writing to the Computer Centre within a week.

“Based on the submitted hierarchy, appropriate user roles and departmental access will be created in the SAMARTH portal to ensure secure and smooth operations,” the Registrar said.

He further announced that all core administrative functions — including service book maintenance, salary and pension processing, inventory and budget management, admissions and file management — will now be exclusively handled through the portal.

The university has urged all staff members to strictly adhere to the given timelines and instructions to ensure a seamless transition. With this shift, HPU aims to foster efficiency, transparency and centralised control within its administrative ecosystem.

Fostering innovation: V-C encourages young faculty

In a proactive move to foster a strong research culture at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Vice-Chancellor Prof Mahavir Singh met with Assistant Professors from various departments and encouraged them to develop individual research projects while actively exploring interdisciplinary collaborations.

Emphasising the importance of advanced and future-ready research, the Vice-Chancellor urged the young faculty members to design collaborative mega-projects focused on Green Energy, Nano-Technology, Disaster Management and Cyber Security — areas identified as critical to national and global priorities.

“The future role of university research and development depends on the commitment of its young researchers. It is your collective efforts that will shape the future of research at the university level,” said Prof Singh. He called on the faculty to pursue quality research with dedication and to align their efforts with institutions of national repute.

He further stressed the need to collaborate with nationally recognised research institutions and universities, noting that such partnerships would not only strengthen the quality of research but also increase funding and innovation opportunities.

A special interactive session was held with assistant professors from the University Institute of Technology, Faculty of Management Studies, University Institute of Legal Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Sciences. The meeting was conducted in the presence of Prof Nain Jeet Singh Negi, Director of Research and Development at HPU.

This initiative marks a step forward in HPU’s commitment to strengthen its research ecosystem, develop globally relevant knowledge and promote a culture of innovation across disciplines.