New Delhi, Apr 16 (IANS): The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Umesh Rai on Friday sought integration of science curriculum by engaging and enrolling students of the University in various new student and youth related start-ups and other projects, scholarships and fellowships initiated by the Union Ministry of Science & Technology.

"The students from the University of Jammu should be engaged in some of the futuristic science projects launched by the Ministry, which would enable better exposure for them (the students) from the peripheral region," Rai said as he met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Jitendra Singh.

This was Rai's first meeting with the Minister after taking over as Vice Chancellor. He was a professor in the Delhi University before taking up his present assignment.

Asserting that the research in the University has to be linked with start-ups, Singh said, "In order to make the start-ups sustainable, not only the academic streams need to come together but the industry also needs to be made equal stakeholders with investments of resources."

Invoking the integrated approach -- which, Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been trying to promote in the government, the Minister said he has asked the departments not to come out with separate projects but the projects which have to be based on the themes, and according to the themes different relevant departments and ministries can join together for a common agenda, Ministry officials said.