Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, convened a high-level review meeting today at the Civil Secretariat, focusing on assessing the progress and performance of ongoing projects within the School Education and Higher Education Departments across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting included notable attendees such as Additional Chief Secretary Shantmanu from the Higher Education Department, Secretary of School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, and Director General of School Education, Dr. G.N. Itoo, alongside various senior officials. This reinforced the importance of collaboration and the sharing of expertise among key stakeholders in the education sector.
During the meeting, Minister Itoo conducted a comprehensive evaluation of critical developmental initiatives, infrastructure projects, and academic reforms currently being rolled out in J&K. She emphasized the need for effective progress in these areas, which serve as the backbone of a robust educational framework.
As part of her review, the Minister focused on projects under important schemes such as Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), and the CAPEX budget. She highlighted the necessity of timely execution for all undertakings, particularly in terms of infrastructure development, digital learning, and teacher training.
Minister Itoo insisted that executing agencies must complete all college construction projects according to established deadlines while maintaining strict adherence to quality standards. Furthermore, she called for rigorous monitoring and field inspections to promptly address any implementation bottlenecks.
Addressing the persistent issue of faculty shortages, the Minister urged the Higher Education Department to investigate the feasibility of increasing remuneration for academic arrangement teachers. This strategy aims to draw in more qualified professionals into the educational system until permanent vacancies can be appropriately filled.
She also directed the officials to create sanctioned posts for all newly established degree colleges, ensuring their operational efficacy. This step would guarantee that these institutions have the necessary human resources to function effectively.
Turning her attention to the School Education Department, the Minister stressed the urgency of digital transformation in classrooms. She directed officers to accelerate the installation of smart classrooms, ICT labs, and e-content facilities, particularly in rural and remote areas. This initiative aims to bridge the learning gap exacerbated by geographical challenges.
Minister Itoo encouraged Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to utilize funds from Samagra Shiksha effectively while fostering close collaboration with project-executing agencies for the timely completion of works. This focus on efficient fund management is crucial for achieving desired educational outcomes.
In a proactive measure, she mandated the appointment of a Nodal Officer in each district to enhance coordination with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), ensuring timely vigilance clearances. Additionally, she instructed CEOs to submit monthly progress reports to their respective Heads of Departments—an essential step for maintaining accountability.
Furthermore, Minister Itoo called for the early finalization of proposals surrounding the de-freezing of teacher posts. This initiative aims to support timely recruitment and fortify the teaching cadre throughout Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring a sustainable educational environment.
