Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the progress of various interventions under SAMAGRA Shiksha and to formulate the upcoming work plan for the initiative across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by several MLAs from various constituencies, Additional Chief Secretary of the School Education Department (SED), Special Secretary of SED, Director of School Education Kashmir/Jammu, Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, CEOs, and other concerned officers.
Inclusive and Transparent Policy Implementation Emphasized
During the meeting, Minister Sakeena Itoo stressed the importance of a more inclusive and transparent approach in policy implementation. She urged the officers to involve elected representatives (MLAs) in the process of formulating work plans for their respective constituencies. This, she emphasized, would ensure that need-based works are initiated effectively.
“Public representatives play a crucial role in identifying grassroots issues. The inclusion of MLAs in policy formulation will lead to more practical and impactful decisions, ensuring holistic development of the education sector,” Sakeena Itoo said.
The Minister also highlighted that coordination between public representatives and the project agency would help avoid the duplication of works and ensure a more streamlined approach to policy execution.
Addressing Educational Gaps
Sakeena Itoo also took the opportunity to assess the progress of educational initiatives under SAMAGRA Shiksha. She noted that the interventions are crucial for bridging infrastructure gaps, addressing teacher shortages, and enhancing digital learning facilities, particularly in rural and remote areas.
She directed the concerned officers to expedite the completion of ongoing projects while enhancing accountability mechanisms to improve the execution of schemes.
Focus on Equity and Accessibility
The Minister emphasized the importance of equity and accessibility in education, urging the officers to prioritize the needs of underprivileged students and marginalized communities. This focus will help bridge the educational divide in the region.
Project Director Presentation
During the meeting, the Project Director of Samagra Shiksha provided a detailed presentation covering various aspects and interventions of the Samagra Shiksha program, showcasing the efforts being made to strengthen the education system in Jammu and Kashmir.
