Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, chaired a high-level review meeting today at the Civil Secretariat. This meeting aimed to assess the performance, functioning, and progress of ongoing projects under the School Education and Higher Education Departments across Jammu and Kashmir.
Prominent attendees included Additional Chief Secretary Shantmanu, the Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, and various senior officials from the education sector. Their roles included oversight of project execution and implementation across the region.
During the meeting, the Minister conducted a comprehensive evaluation of key developmental initiatives. She focused on infrastructure projects and academic reforms that the government actively implements across J&K.
Reviewing ongoing projects under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), Itoo emphasized the timely execution of works. Her focus included infrastructure development, digital learning, teacher training, and curriculum enhancement.
She directed executing agencies to complete all college construction projects within stipulated timelines. Moreover, she demanded strict adherence to quality standards and emphasized the necessity of rigorous monitoring and field inspections to eliminate implementation bottlenecks.
Itoo recognized ongoing faculty shortages. To address this, she urged the Higher Education Department to explore options for increasing remuneration for academic arrangement teachers. This step aims to attract more qualified professionals until permanent vacancies are filled.
In addition, she instructed officials to create sanctioned posts for all newly established degree colleges. This measure ensures the smooth functioning of educational institutions across the region.
While reviewing the School Education Department, she advocated for the digital transformation of classrooms. She directed officers to expedite the installation of smart classrooms, ICT labs, and e-content facilities, particularly in rural and far-flung areas, to effectively bridge the learning gap.
Itoo also called upon the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to utilize Samagra Shiksha funds effectively. She stressed the importance of maintaining close coordination with project-executing agencies for the early completion of works.
To enhance efficiency, the Minister directed the appointment of a Nodal Officer in each district. This officer will coordinate with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to facilitate timely vigilance clearances. Additionally, she instructed CEOs to submit monthly progress reports to their respective Heads of Departments.
The Minister further called for the early finalization of proposals related to de-freezing teacher posts. This strategy aims to ensure timely recruitment and strengthen the teaching cadre across Jammu and Kashmir.
