SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare and Health, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a high level meeting at Civil Secretariat here to review the performance and functioning of School Education department (SED). The meeting was attended by Secretary, SED, Ram Niwas Sharma; Director School Education Kashmir/Jammu, Special Secretary, SED, Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Secretary JKBOSE, Director Finance SED, Director Planning, SED, Chief Education Officers of all districts and other concerned officers.

During the meeting, Sakeena took comprehensive assessment of key performance indicators in learning outcomes, infrastructure readiness, teacher performance, human resource management as well as implementation status of major educational schemes like Samagra Shiksha, PM-POSHAN (Mid Day Meal), New India Literacy Programme (NILP), PM-Shri and others.

Addressing the officers during the meeting, the Minister emphasized on the critical importance of accountability, transparency and outcome-oriented strategies in enhancing the quality of education across J&K. She underlined the need for bridging learning gaps and called for robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely delivery of educational resources and improved student outcomes in schools.

ā€œWe must prioritize the learning outcomes, teacher training, digital access and inclusive education. Every child, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographical location, deserves access to quality educationā€, Minister Sakeena stated.

While reviewing student enrolment trends across UT, especially among the girls and marginalized communities, the Minister called upon the officers to maintain enrolment in schools with proper implementation of schemes in vogue for that. She asked the officers to take immediate steps for maintaining enrolment in high and higher secondary schools. She also directed the officers for effective implementation of Beti Anmol scheme having wider role in maintaining girl enrolment number higher secondary schools.

During the meeting, the Minister also expressed displeasure over persistent problems in education sector, particularly in remote and under-served areas. She directed the officers to install electricity connections and solar panels in all left out schools within six months. She also asked the to establish toilets and other basic facilities in all left out schools within four months.

The Minister issued a clarion call for a culture of responsibility, urging all the educators and administrative personnel to treat their roles with seriousness they deserve. ā€œWe cannot allow complacency to derail education of our children. Teachers are not just government employees, they are the torchbearers of our future and their accountability must be fixed for non-performanceā€, she stated.

While reviewing other aspects of the department, the Minister issued strict directions regarding rationalisation of teachers in schools having ample staff presence. She further directed that all Principals should take classes in their respective schools, apart from looking after routine management of schools only.

The Minister also directed that no transfers should happen at the zonal or district levels and respective Directors should be consulted before any transfers. She also asked both the directors to look after the issue of shifting of attendance of teachers from one school to another without any reason and fix responsibility for those doing it without informing their respective Directors.

While reviewing the status of ongoing projects and other infrastructure, the Minister asked the officers to maintain regular coordination with the executing agencies for timely completion of the projects. She asked them to monitor the works on regular basis for timely completion owing to limited working season in Kashmir and some parts of Jammu division.

The Minister further said that the government remains committed towards transforming the education ecosystem across J&K. ā€œReforms in education are not just about policy but about ensuring our children are equipped to thrive in a fast-changing world,ā€ she stated. During the meeting, Secretary, SED gave a detailed presentation on different aspects of School Education department.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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