In a significant review meeting held today at the Civil Secretariat, Sakeena Itoo, the Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, assessed ongoing education projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting aimed to evaluate the performance and progress of the School Education and Higher Education Departments.
The meeting saw the participation of key officials, including Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher Education Department, and Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary of School Education. Also present were senior officials such as Dr. G.N. Itoo, Director General of School Education Kashmir, and other pertinent stakeholders from various zones.
Minister Itoo conducted a detailed review of significant developmental initiatives and infrastructure projects aimed at reforming the educational landscape across the region. She focused particularly on initiatives under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
Highlighting the importance of timely execution, she stressed upon the need for strict adherence to quality standards. Itoo mandated that all ongoing college construction projects should meet completion deadlines while also emphasizing the need for enhanced infrastructure development, digital learning, teacher training, and curriculum enhancement.
Minister Itoo called on executing bodies to conduct rigorous monitoring and field inspections. These measures aim to eliminate any existing bottlenecks in the implementation of various projects.
Addressing the ongoing issue of faculty shortages, she suggested that the Higher Education Department consider increasing pay for academic arrangement teachers to attract qualified professionals. This interim measure will remain until the department fills permanent vacancies. She also recommended the creation of sanctioned posts for newly established degree colleges to ensure their seamless operation.
While focusing on the School Education Department, Itoo underscored the urgent need for digital transformation in educational environments. She directed officials to fast-track the installation of smart classrooms, ICT labs, and e-content facilities, particularly in rural and remote areas, to effectively bridge the learning gap.
Minister Itoo also insisted that Chief Education Officers (CEOs) efficiently utilize Samagra Shiksha funds. They need to maintain strong coordination with project-executing agencies to ensure timely completion of all educational works.
To improve transparency and accountability, she instructed the appointment of a Nodal Officer in each district to liaise with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for prompt vigilance clearances. Moreover, she mandated CEOs to submit monthly progress reports to their respective Heads of Departments.
Additionally, the Minister directed officials to prioritize the early finalization of proposals aimed at de-freezing teacher posts. This initiative is crucial for ensuring timely recruitment and enhancing the teaching cadre in Jammu and Kashmir.
