Srinagar, Oct 20: Minister for Education Sakina Itoo on Monday said the government will take strict action against those schools that deliver poor academic results.
She emphasised on bringing accountability and more performance. “It will define the new phase of reforms in Jammu and Kashmir’s education sector.”
Addressing the students and staff at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS) Baramulla, Minister Itoo as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the education department has achieved a milestone in one year. “In a year of our government, we have achieved much more that was not achieved in the past decade.”
Itoo also spoke about the completion of long-pending Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs), referral of 725 lecturer posts to the recruitment board and rationalisation of teaching staff among the key reforms.
“The education sector has witnessed a major transformation in a short time. We are committed to continue these efforts with your suggestions and support until the best education system is achieved in Jammu and Kashmir”, she said.
The Minister said that the schools that will have poor results in upcoming examinations will be dealt with firmly, while institutions that perform well will be recognised and appreciated. “We will not tolerate negligence. Every school must take responsibility to ensure students perform to their potential”, she said.
Itoo on the occasion lauded students especially female students for their strong academic performance and resilience despite challenges. “Our girls are leading with determination and hard work. Their success makes us proud and inspires others to follow”, she said.
She urged all the concerned stakeholders to recognise and appreciate the talent of students from government schools instead of glorifying private institutions, saying government schools have produced capable and talented students who deserve equal acknowledgment.
“The progress we have made is because of the commitment and dedication of our teaching staff and other faculty members. The government under the guidance of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will ensure that remaining gaps are filled at earliest and the quality education reaches every corner of Jammu and Kashmir”, Itoo added.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, the Minister said that students in Jammu and Kashmir have one of the best prescribed syllabi in the country. “We wish to see more students enrolling in government schools rather than private ones”, she said.
Responding to a query about admission fee violations, Itoo said that a Fee Fixation Committee has already been constituted and all complaints are being examined.
On another query regarding unfilled vacancies in the School Education Department, the Minister said the process is underway to fill all the posts including the BOSE Chairman post and other key positions.
“We started from zero. There were no ZEOs, CEOs, lecturers or professors in the department. However, our government has addressed almost every issue, from rationalisation to recruitment. Achieving 100 percent results in a year is not possible, but whatever could not be done in ten years, we made it possible in a year only,” she said. (KNO)
