Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, chaired a high-level review meeting today at the Civil Secretariat, focusing on the progress of ongoing projects within the School Education and Higher Education Departments in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting brought together key officials from relevant departments to discuss the performance and current status of various educational initiatives.
Senior officials attending the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Shantmanu; Secretary School Education, Ram Niwas Sharma; Director General School Education Kashmir, Dr. G.N. Itoo, and several other notable figures. Together, they participated in a detailed evaluation of developmental initiatives, infrastructure projects, and academic reforms underway across the region.
During the review, Itoo focused on projects under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), and the CAPEX budget. She underscored the importance of timely execution of infrastructure developments, digital learning, teacher training, and curriculum enhancement, which are vital for elevating educational standards in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister directed executing agencies to prioritize the completion of all college construction projects in a timely manner while adhering strictly to quality standards. She insisted on rigorous monitoring and field inspections to address and eliminate any implementation hurdles that could arise.
With a specific focus on addressing faculty shortages, Itoo encouraged the Higher Education Department to explore options for enhancing remuneration for academic arrangement teachers. This measure aims to draw more qualified educators to fill temporary posts until the permanent vacancies are adequately addressed. Additionally, she directed officials to ensure the creation of sanctioned posts for all newly established degree colleges to facilitate smoother operational efficiency.
In her review of the School Education Department, the Minister highlighted the urgent need for digital transformation of classrooms. She called for expediting the installation of smart classrooms, ICT labs, and e-content facilities, particularly in rural and remote areas, to effectively bridge the educational divide.
Itoo urged Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to make optimal use of Samagra Shiksha funds and coordinate closely with project-executing agencies to achieve early completion of various works. Her directive aims to enhance the educational infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir significantly.
To ensure accountability, the Minister announced the appointment of a Nodal Officer in each district tasked with liaising with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for prompt vigilance clearances. Furthermore, she instructed CEOs to submit monthly progress reports to their respective Heads of Departments, fostering a culture of transparency and regular monitoring.
Lastly, Itoo emphasized the need for the swift finalization of proposals for de-freezing teacher posts, which will provide opportunities for timely recruitment and bolster the quality of education across Jammu and Kashmir. Her proactive measures aim to create a robust educational environment that nurtures talent and supports academic excellence in the region.
