Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, chaired a high-level review meeting today at the Civil Secretariat to closely assess ongoing projects under the School Education and Higher Education Departments across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting aimed to ensure that educational initiatives align with quality standards and timelines.
The gathering included key officials, such as Additional Chief Secretary Shantmanu from the Higher Education Department, Secretary Ram Niwas Sharma from School Education, and Director General Dr. G.N. Itoo. Senior officials from various divisions, including Project Directors and Chief Engineers, participated in the discussion to evaluate the progress of key developmental initiatives.
During the meeting, Minister Itoo conducted a comprehensive evaluation of various ongoing initiatives, focusing on infrastructure, academic reforms, and digital transformation across Jammu and Kashmir’s education system.
Specific attention was given to projects under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), and the CAPEX budget. The Minister emphasized the expeditious execution of infrastructure projects and the necessity for robust digital learning and teacher training programs, crucial to advancing education in the region.
She directed executing agencies to ensure that all college construction projects meet their deadlines while adhering to high quality standards. “Timely completion and rigorous quality monitoring are essential to deliver the best educational outcomes for our students,” said Itoo.
The Minister’s review uncovered significant faculty shortages in higher education. In response, she urged the Higher Education Department to explore the possibility of enhancing remuneration for academic arrangement teachers. This would attract more qualified professionals to fill the gaps until permanent vacancies are filled.
Furthermore, she instructed the creation of sanctioned posts for all newly established degree colleges to foster smooth operations within the educational institutions.
In her review of the School Education Department, Itoo emphasized rapid digital transformation in classrooms. She urged officials to hasten the implementation of smart classrooms, ICT labs, and e-content facilities, particularly in remote and rural areas. “We must bridge the learning gap by leveraging technology effectively,” Itoo stated.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of utilizing Samagra Shiksha funds effectively. She encouraged Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to maintain close coordination with project-executing agencies to guarantee early completion of educational infrastructure projects.
Moreover, Itoo proposed the appointment of a Nodal Officer in each district to collaborate with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for timely vigilance clearances. CEOs were instructed to submit monthly progress reports to their respective Heads of Departments to enhance accountability.
To further strengthen the teaching cadre, the Minister gave directives for the early finalization of proposals regarding the de-freezing of teacher posts, ensuring timely recruitment of educators across Jammu and Kashmir.
This review meeting exemplifies the government’s commitment to enhancing the education sector in Jammu and Kashmir, directly addressing challenges like infrastructure bottlenecks and faculty shortages.
