Govt committed to strengthen educational ecosystem in J&K: Sakeena

Srinagar, Oct 10: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo chaired a high level meeting at Civil Secretariat here Friday to review the performance, functioning and progress of various ongoing projects of School Education and Higher Education Departments across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education department, Shantmanu; Secretary School Education, Ram Niwas Sharma; Director General School Education Kashmir, Dr. G.N Itoo; Project Director Samagra Shiksha, Director School Education Jammu, Mission Director, RUSA, Special Secretaries of Higher Education and School Education departments, Director Finance/Director Planning of Higher Education and School Education departments, Director Colleges, Chief Engineer PWD of Central Kashmir/South Kashmir/North Kashmir/Jammu/Chenab/Pir Panjal zones, Chief Education Officers of all districts and other concerned officers of both departments.
During the meeting, Minister Sakeena took comprehensive evaluation of key developmental initiatives, infrastructure projects, and academic reforms being implemented across J&K in both Higher Education and School Education departments.
While reviewing the status of ongoing projects in Higher Education department under various schemes like Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), and CAPEX budget initiatives, the Minister emphasized on the timely execution of all ongoing works, particularly those related to infrastructure development, digital learning facilities, teacher training programs, and curriculum enhancement.
She directed the officers of executing agencies that college construction projects need to be completed within stipulated deadlines without compromising on quality. She called for stringent monitoring and field-level inspections to address delays and remove bottlenecks in project implementation.
“Our government is committed to strengthen educational ecosystem in J&K. Every project, whether in remote village or an urban hub, must translate into tangible outcome for students and teachers. Timeliness and accountability are non-negotiable”, Minister Sakeena asserted.
The Minister further asked the Director Colleges to maintain close coordination with Chief Engineers so that the projects which require minor works are completed by the end of this month.
Taking stock of faculty positions in colleges, the Minister called upon the officers of Higher Education department to look out for the feasibility of increasing remuneration in favour of Academic arrangement teachers so that more persons are attracted to it till vacancies are filled on regular basis. She also directed the officers to create posts for all newly established degree colleges for better educational outcomes.
The Minister also underlined the need for research-oriented learning, industry linkages, and innovation-driven curriculum reforms. She urged college heads to encourage student-led projects, entrepreneurship cells, and collaborations with reputed institutions to enhance employability and practical learning outcomes.
Similarly, while reviewing the school education department, Minister Sakeena spoke on the importance of digital transformation in school education, directing the concerned officers to expedite the installation of smart classrooms, ICT labs and e-content access facilities to bridge the learning gap, particularly in rural and far-flung areas.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education, Minister Sakeena said that special attention is being given to educational infrastructure in remote, border and tribal areas, to ensure every child in J&K has access to quality learning opportunities.
The Minister further called upon all the CEOs to utilise funds under Samagra Shiksha efficiently so that required infrastructure can be created. She further directed the CEOs to monitor projects in their respective districts on regular basis and maintain coordination with project executing agencies for their early completion.
Taking stock of Human Resource issues, the Minister asked the officers of School Education department to appoint Nodal Officer in each district for maintaining coordination with ACB for timely obtaining of Vigilance Clearance certificates in favour of employees. She also directed the CEOs to submit report card on monthly basis to respective HoDs highlighting progress of ongoing projects and other achievements in every aspect of this vital sector. She also gave directions for early finalisation of proposal for de-freezing of teacher posts for timely recruitment process.
Highlighting that students in Government schools are equally talented as that of Private schools, the Minister called upon the officers to create awareness among students, especially in far flung areas, regarding JKSOS and NIOS admissions so that they can qualify the 12th level exams in other modes also.
The Minister also called for enhanced coordination between School and Higher Education departments to ensure seamless academic progression and policy alignment from the foundational to advanced levels of learning.