Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, chaired a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat today. The meeting aimed to assess the performance and progress of ongoing projects in the School Education and Higher Education Departments across Jammu and Kashmir.
This crucial meeting saw the participation of key officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Shantmanu from the Higher Education Department, Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, and Director General School Education Kashmir Dr. G.N. Itoo. Other attendees included senior officials such as Project Directors of Samagra Shiksha, Directors of School Education Jammu, and Chief Engineers of PWD from various zones.
During the discussions, Minister Itoo conducted a comprehensive evaluation of key developmental initiatives, focusing on infrastructure projects and academic reforms across Jammu and Kashmir. She stressed the importance of timely execution of all initiatives, particularly those related to infrastructure development, digital learning, teacher training, and curriculum enhancement.
While reviewing projects under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), Itoo directed that all college construction projects must adhere to their stipulated timelines. She emphasized maintaining strict quality standards to ensure these projects meet educational needs.
To address existing faculty shortages, the Minister requested the Higher Education Department to explore increasing remuneration for academic arrangement teachers. This step aims to attract qualified professionals until permanent vacancies can be filled. She also recommended creating sanctioned posts for newly established degree colleges to ensure they function effectively.
In her assessment of the School Education Department, Minister Itoo highlighted the necessity of digital transformation in classrooms. She requested expedited installation of smart classrooms, ICT labs, and e-content facilities in rural and remote areas where educational access remains a challenge.
The Minister encouraged Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to effectively utilize Samagra Shiksha funds. She urged them to maintain close coordination with project-executing agencies to ensure the timely completion of infrastructure works.
In an effort to enhance accountability, Itoo directed the appointment of a Nodal Officer in each district. This role will coordinate with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for timely vigilance clearances. Additionally, she instructed CEOs to submit monthly progress reports to their respective Heads of Departments.
Furthermore, she pushed for the early finalization of proposals to de-freeze teacher posts to facilitate timely recruitment and strengthen the teaching cadre across Jammu and Kashmir. This move aims to address teaching shortages and improve educational quality in the region.
Minister Itoo’s proactive approach during this review highlights her commitment to enhancing education quality through infrastructure improvements and digital initiatives. As Jammu and Kashmir moves forward, these efforts aim to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education.
