Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, conducted a high-level review meeting today at the Civil Secretariat, addressing the progress of School Education and Higher Education Departments’ projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Key officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Shantmanu and Secretary Ram Niwas Sharma, attended the meeting.
The review focused on major developmental initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and academic reforms across J&K. Itoo emphasized that all ongoing projects, including those under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), must prioritize timely execution and uphold stringent quality standards.
“We must accelerate the completion of infrastructure projects, especially in digital learning and teacher training,” Itoo remarked, directing agencies to adhere strictly to set timelines. She specifically noted the importance of completing college construction within the stipulated periods, coupled with rigorous monitoring to tackle execution challenges.
Addressing the pressing issue of faculty shortages, Itoo instructed the Higher Education Department to assess the possibility of increasing remuneration for academic arrangement teachers. This initiative aims to attract qualified professionals until permanent positions are filled. She also mandated officials create sanctioned posts for newly established degree colleges to ensure effective operations.
Reviewing the School Education Department, Itoo stressed the necessity for digital transformation of classrooms. She urged officials to expedite the installation of smart classrooms and ICT labs—particularly in rural areas—to effectively bridge the learning gap.
“Utilizing Samagra Shiksha funds efficiently is crucial,” Itoo noted, encouraging Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to coordinate closely with executing agencies for the timely completion of all works. She mandated the appointment of a Nodal Officer in each district to facilitate interactions with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for timely vigilance clearances.
In her push for greater accountability, Itoo directed CEOs to submit monthly progress reports directly to their respective Heads of Departments. Additionally, she sought the early finalization of proposals for de-freezing teacher posts to strengthen the educational cadre across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister concluded the meeting by reaffirming her commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and quality, setting a historical precedent for ongoing educational reforms in the region.
