Teachers true architects of building progressive, enlightened society: Sakeena Itoo

Udhampur, Jan 5: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Monday addressed the One Day Convention of Teachers here, underscoring the pivotal role of teachers in shaping a progressive and enlightened society.
Director School Education Jammu, Naseem Javaid Choudhary; ACR Udhampur, Joint Director School Education Udhampur/Reasi, DSWO Udhampur, CMO Udhampur, CEO Udhampur, other senior officers of Education department and large number of teachers were also present on the occasion.
Speaking to a large gathering of educators, the Minister lauded teachers as the true architects of building progressive society, stating that their contribution goes far beyond classrooms and textbooks. “Teachers play a decisive role in nurturing responsible citizens and strengthening moral and intellectual fabric of society”, she stated.
The Education Minister called upon teachers to adapt to evolving educational challenges and adopt innovative teaching methods to meet the aspirations of the younger generation. She stressed that continuous professional development and value-based education are essential to keep pace with changing times.
Lauding teachers for their contribution to education sector, Minister Sakeena said that under the visionary leadership of then Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the revolutionary step of introducing Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) scheme was initiated which changed the dynamics of school education sector in J&K. She added that due to ReT scheme, students of far-flung areas, who couldn’t afford to move to cities for educational purposes, received education in their respective areas.
She highlighted that the teachers need to be acknowledged for their contribution to the society, adding that the large number of IAS, IPS and JKAS officers have studied from government schools for which their teachers need to acknowledged.
Emphasising the need to reform and strengthen the teacher–student relationship, Sakeena Itoo said that mutual respect, trust and understanding must form the foundation of all educational institutions. She highlighted that some positive reforms need to be initiated for improving student-teacher relationship in educational institutions.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to improving the education sector, Sakeena Itoo assured that sustained efforts are being made by the Government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to upgrade infrastructure, enhance teaching standards and promote holistic learning across educational institutions of J&K.
Addressing the gathering, Director School Education Jammu said the Government has worked tirelessly from last one year for the development of education sector, particularly the change of Academic session, timely updation of seniority lists, conduct of DPCs and other related issues have been solved and some are under active consideration of the Government.
He highlighted that various reformative steps for the betterment of education sector are under process of the government, which will significantly improve the educational standards across Jammu and Kashmir.
On the occasion, various teachers spoke and lauded the efforts of Government, especially Education Minister for various pathbreaking initiatives in education sector. They expressed gratitude to Minister for various decisions like change in academic session, regularisation of CPWs, posting of Principals and other teachers in various schools which was long pending issue, availability of textbooks in schools, timely updation of seniority lists as well as regular conduct of DPCs at all levels.
The Teachers, on the occasion, also put forth some demands before the Minister like provision of leave salary to teachers at the time of retirement, restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS), withdrawal of teachers from non teaching assignments in other departments like Census, Surveys and others as well as timely disbursement of dues for Mid Day Meal scheme.
On the sidelines of the Convention, the Minister distributed sewing machines among women beneficiaries of Social Welfare department. She also distributed bicycles among school children for their outstanding performance in various National sports championships and academic activities.