Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, chaired a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat on October 10, 2023, to evaluate the progress of educational projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting focused on the performance of ongoing initiatives from the School Education and Higher Education Departments.
Joining the Minister were notable officials including Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher Education Department; Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary of School Education; Dr. G.N. Itoo, Director General of School Education Kashmir; and several senior officials from various educational bodies.
During the comprehensive evaluation, the Minister assessed vital developmental initiatives, infrastructure projects, and academic reforms aimed at enhancing educational standards across Jammu and Kashmir.
As she reviewed projects under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), and the CAPEX budget, Itoo highlighted the necessity for timely execution of all works. This includes critical projects related to infrastructure development, digital learning, teacher training, and curriculum enhancement.
She mandated executing agencies to ensure that all college construction projects adhere to predetermined timelines while maintaining stringent quality standards. The Minister supported rigorous monitoring and field inspections to eliminate any bottlenecks that might impede progress.
Concerning the persistent issue of faculty shortages, Itoo urged the Higher Education Department to consider increasing remuneration for academic arrangement teachers. This approach aims to draw qualified professionals until permanent faculty vacancies are filled. Furthermore, she instructed officials to create sanctioned posts for all newly established degree colleges to facilitate smooth operations.
In her assessment of the School Education Department, Itoo prioritized the digital transformation of classrooms. She directed concerned officials to accelerate the installation of smart classrooms, ICT labs, and e-content facilities, especially in rural and remote areas, to mitigate the learning gap and enhance access to quality education.
She encouraged Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to make efficient use of Samagra Shiksha funds and collaborate closely with project-executing agencies to expedite the completion of projects.
The Minister also announced the appointment of a Nodal Officer in each district to coordinate with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for timely vigilance clearances. Additionally, CEOs must now submit monthly progress reports to their respective Heads of Departments to enhance transparency and accountability.
In relation to staffing issues, Itoo insisted on the swift finalization of proposals for de-freezing teacher posts. This strategy aims to ensure timely recruitment and strengthen the teaching cadre across Jammu and Kashmir.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to advance its educational initiatives, Sakeena Itoo’s leadership reflects the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education and ensuring that all educational projects align with international standards.