Govt committed to strengthen education ecosystem: Sakeena

Srinagar, Sep 5: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Saturday said that the Government will bring resolution on Teacher Eligibility Test during the upcoming Assembly Session of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
The Minister made these remarks while addressing the Teachers’ Day celebrations held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here.
Addressing a gathering of teachers, educationists, students, senior officers and other stakeholders from the education sector, the Minister described teachers as the torchbearers of the nation, saying that their contribution extends far beyond classrooms as they help shape the character, aspirations and values of generations.
“Teachers are not merely imparting knowledge; they are shaping minds, nurturing values and preparing the citizens who will build the future of our society. Their role in nation-building is therefore unparalleled,” the Minister said.
She added that the Teachers’ Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication, commitment and sacrifices of the teaching fraternity.
The Minister said that the Government recognises teachers as one of the most important pillars of the education system and is committed to creating an enabling environment where teachers can discharge their responsibilities with dignity, confidence and professional excellence.
She underlined the need for continuous improvement in the quality of education, strengthening of school infrastructure, adoption of innovative teaching methodologies and greater focus on holistic development of students. She said that the Government is working towards ensuring that children in every part of Jammu and Kashmir have access to quality education and adequate learning opportunities.
Referring to issues concerning the teaching community, the Minister said that the Government is conscious of the concerns being raised by teachers and aspiring educators and is committed to addressing them through due institutional processes.
On the issue of Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), Sakeena Itoo stated that the Government will bring a resolution on TET in the upcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, reiterating that the concerns associated with the matter would be examined and taken forward through the appropriate process.
She called upon teachers to remain at the forefront of educational transformation and urged them to encourage curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and ethical values among students.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of strengthening the connect between teachers, parents and communities, saying that a child’s development is a shared responsibility. She maintained that education must equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with confidence, compassion, discipline and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
Highlighting the changing nature of education, she encouraged teachers to make effective use of technology and modern pedagogical tools while retaining the human and value-based dimensions of teaching.
Sakeena Itoo expressed appreciation for teachers serving in difficult and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, acknowledging their dedication in ensuring continuity of education despite geographical and logistical challenges.
She said that the Government would continue to engage with the teaching fraternity and other stakeholders to strengthen the education system and address genuine concerns in a structured and time-bound manner.
The Minister also felicitated outstanding teachers including Namarita Sharma, Amol Sharma, Abhinav Gupta, Anita Rani, Jagat Dev Singh, Sandeep Kumar, Kulbeet Singh, Reyaz Ahmad Khan, Tawheed Parvaiz, Rabia Mukhtar, Gh. Mohd. Dar, Muzaffar Ahmad Wani, Javaid Ahmad Rather, Altaf Ahmad Bhat, Towfeeqe Ali, Showket Hussain Bhat (Lecturer), Dr. Sameena Wani (Principal), Badhar Singh (Lecturer), Shahid Qureshi (Senior Lecturer) and Anwar Khan (Principal) for their exemplary contribution to the field of education and wished the entire teaching fraternity on Teachers’ Day.
Speaking on the occasion, Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani highlighted the vital role of teachers in building an enlightened, responsible and progressive society.
Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Bhawani Rakhwal; Director School Education Jammu, Naseem Javaid Chowdhary; Joint Director Education (Central), Principals of various higher secondary schools, lecturers, teachers and large number of students were also present on the occasion.