Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has secured a Rs 14.8 crore grant from the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. This significant funding will establish two new, advanced facilities on the university campus: a research lab dedicated to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and a comprehensive Cybersecurity training lab.
Grant Supports Key National Initiatives
The grant is awarded under the Prime Minister’s Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) initiative. It directly aligns with India’s overarching national policy goals, which prioritize self-reliance in critical technological domains. The establishment of these labs aims to accelerate the nation’s progress towards becoming self-dependent in both Electric Vehicle technology and a robust cybersecurity ecosystem.
Of the total amount, Rs 9.05 crore has been sanctioned specifically for the establishment of the Research Lab for Electric Vehicles. The remaining Rs 5.75 crore is allocated to fund the development and operational setup of the Cyber Security Training Lab.
Advanced Facilities to Drive Research and Skill Development
The Electric Vehicle research lab will focus on cutting-edge advancements and innovation within the EV sector. This includes areas such as battery technology, charging infrastructure, motor design, and power electronics. The lab will provide students and researchers with specialized equipment and a platform to conduct applied research. Ahteshamul Haque, from JMI’s Electrical Engineering department, will serve as the Principal Investigator (PI) for this crucial project.
The Cybersecurity training lab is designed to address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in digital security. It will offer comprehensive training programs, workshops, and hands-on exercises. Students and professionals will learn about threat detection, ethical hacking, network security, data protection, and incident response. This facility will use advanced tools and simulations to prepare individuals for real-world cybersecurity challenges. Shane Kazim Naqvi, Director of JMI’s FTK-Centre for Information Technology (CIT), is the Principal Investigator for the cybersecurity initiative.
University Leadership Emphasizes National Contribution
JMI Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif highlighted the strategic importance of these two projects. “These two projects play a vital role in advancing our national mission,” Asif stated. He emphasized their capacity to nurture indigenous talent in both the electric vehicle and cybersecurity domains. The Vice-Chancellor further noted that the facilities would provide JMI students and professionals with valuable exposure to advanced technologies. This exposure will enable the university to contribute effectively to national goals.
Registrar Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi echoed the sentiment, confirming the establishment of these “innovative and advanced labs.” He detailed their function as dynamic platforms for learning, collaboration, and practical training. Rizvi underscored the labs’ potential to utilize state-of-the-art tools and technologies. This approach aims to solve real-world challenges in these two major technological areas, enhancing practical skills among participants.
Future Impact for Students and Industry
These new labs are expected to significantly enhance JMI’s academic offerings and research capabilities. They will provide students with practical experience in rapidly evolving industries. Graduates from these programs will be better prepared for careers in EV manufacturing, research and development, cybersecurity analysis, and digital forensics. The university anticipates fostering a new generation of experts ready to meet India’s technological demands. This initiative positions JMI as a key contributor to national innovation and skill development in critical sectors.