DODA, MAY 13: Union Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development and Member of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the School Education Department at DC Office Complex Doda.
The meeting, as per an official statement, was attended by Deputy Commissioner Doda Krishan Lal, SSP, CPO, Joint Director Education, CEO, DSWO, State Coordinator Samagra Shiksha PM Shri Schools besides other officers and staff of the Education Department.
During the meeting, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma directed the Chief Education Officer Doda and heads of institutions to enhance year-wise student enrollment in PM Shri Schools. He asked for intensifying awareness campaigns among the local population regarding the facilities and benefits being provided under the PM Shri initiative.
The CEO highlighted the issue of shortage of Principals and Headmasters in schools across the district.
Responding to the concern, Union Joint Secretary assured that the matter would be taken up at the appropriate level for necessary action.
The CEO informed the meeting that PM Shri Schools are functioning as exemplary institutions by sharing human resources, digital learning facilities and educational activities with nearby schools under a cluster-based approach.
Dr. Sharma directed the CEO to ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation of these clusters for improving the overall academic performance and governance.
Emphasizing the importance of cyber awareness among the students, Union Joint Secretary directed all the school heads to make cyber safety, cyber security and responsible use of social media a regular part of morning assemblies. He further stressed that every teacher should undergo cyber safety and security training to effectively guide students.
Union Joint Secretary also underscored the importance of vocational education and directed that vocational training opportunities be extended to all students to equip them with practical skills and career-oriented knowledge.
The CEO informed the meeting that several innovative initiatives have been undertaken by PM Shri Schools, including Green School initiatives, field and exposure visits, Bal Sansad programmes, drug abuse awareness campaigns and science exhibitions aimed at promoting environmental awareness, leadership qualities, healthy lifestyles, practical learning and scientific temperament among students.
Union Joint Secretary further directed the Education Department to organize regular career counselling programmes in schools to help students explore future career opportunities. He emphasized that such guidance sessions should also be conducted during study sessions for maximum outreach and effectiveness.
Highlighting the importance of child rights protection, Dr. Sharma emphasized the collective responsibility of institutions, parents, teachers and society in ensuring a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for every child. He stressed the need to create greater awareness regarding children’s rights and to ensure their access to quality education, healthcare and holistic development.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Doda Krishan Lal submitted proposals regarding capsule courses and specialized training programmes for heads of schools to strengthen institutional leadership and improve the overall quality of education in the district.
