SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today emphasised the urgent need to align the education system with the rapid technological transformations shaping society.
The Minister made these remarks while delivering the inaugural address at the two-day National Conference on ‘Integrating AI and 21st Century Skills in Education’ at Government College of Education (GCOE/IASE) here today.
The Conference is being organised by Innovation and Action Research Cell/IQAC of the GCOE/IASE in collaboration with the School Education Department, Kashmir.
Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Shantamanu; Vice Chancellor Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Mohammad Mobin; Head, ICT and Project Management, NIEPA, Ministry of Education, New Delhi, Prof. K. Srinivas; Director General School Education Kashmir, Dr. G.N Itoo; Director Colleges, Dr. Sheikh Aijaz; Nodal Principal Kashmir Division Colleges and Principal, GCOE/IASE, Dr. Seema Naz; faculty members of college, researchers and large number of students were also present on the occasion.
In her inaugural address, Minister Sakeena emphasised the urgent need to align the education system with the rapid technological transformation shaping the world. She highlighted that Artificial Intelligence is not just a subject of study, but a vital tool to enhance creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving among learners.
“Education today must prepare our students not only for the jobs of the future but also for the challenges of the present. Integrating AI and 21st-century skills will empower our youth to innovate responsibly and contribute meaningfully to a knowledge-driven economy,” she stated.
She also lauded the institution’s efforts in organizing such a forward-looking conference.
The Minister also released the “IASE Mentorbort”, an AI-based educational chatbot on the occasion, designed to support learners and teachers.
While delivering a keynote address, Prof. K. Srinivas emphasized the transformative role of AI in modern education systems and the necessity for educators to embrace digital innovation.
Additional Chief Secretary, in his address, emphasized on policy-level perspectives and administrative efforts to integrate AI into educational planning, while VC, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof Mohammad Mobin appreciated the initiative and encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration to meet NEP-2020 goals.
Director General, School Education Kashmir, underlined the department’s commitment to enhancing digital competency among teachers and students alike, while as Director Colleges, in his address, highlighted the growing significance of AI-driven pedagogies in Higher Education.
In her welcome address, Principal GCOE, Dr Seema Naz, highlighted the importance of integrating artificial intelligence and 21st-century skills in education to make learning more dynamic and future-ready.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Minister also inspected stalls at the AI/Robotics Exhibition, exploring innovative AI-based educational tools and projects displayed by students and researchers.
Earlier, Sakeena Itoo inaugurated the newly constructed Science Laboratory Block of the Government College of Education, Srinagar.
