SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a review meeting at Civil Secretariat here to assess the performance and functioning of the School Education Department across Kashmir division Kashmir division.
During the meeting, the Minister held a detailed assessment on key operational areas of the school education sector, like academic performance of schools, infrastructure development, teacher deployment, timely distribution of school textbooks and other materials, besides issues related unregulated selling of school textbooks by private schools through various agencies at exorbitant rates were also discussed in detail.
Addressing the officers in the meeting, Sakeena Itoo emphasized on the importance of ensuring that all schools across the region receive textbooks and other learning materials before the commencement of the academic session. “Timely availability of books and supplies is crucial to maintaining the academic calendar and ensuring that no student is left behind,” the Minister said.
She directed officials to streamline the distribution process through improved coordination between the divisional and district education offices, adding that transparency and accountability must be maintained at every level.
While reviewing other issues related to the School Education sector, the Minister issued strict instructions to CEOs to check unregulated selling of school textbooks by private schools through various agencies on exorbitant rates. “Conduct routine checks on schools as well as book shops and take stringent against schools and book shops involved in selling textbooks on exorbitant rates”, the Education Minister stated.
She also instructed the Director School Education to issue a detailed order regarding curriculum/textbooks to be followed by schools and make each CEO to implement that order in letter and spirit. She asked the CEOs to take appropriate action against schools violating this order.
The Minister also called for the timely processing of GP funds and directed the CEOs to submit a detailed report outlining the number of cases submitted and pending with each CEO.
Regarding coaching centres, the Minister directed the CEOs to conduct regular checks on coaching centres and ensure that they are following safety protocols. She also asked them to take action against unregistered coaching centres.
Highlighting the role of teachers in shaping the future of students, the Minister called for regular capacity-building and training programs to enhance teaching standards. She also stressed the need to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure punctuality, performance, and effective classroom engagement.
The Minister further urged the department to ensure that all pending administrative and academic issues are resolved in a time-bound manner. She assured that the government is committed to improving the quality of education and creating an enabling environment for students and teachers alike.
During the meeting, Director School Education Kashmir as well as CEOs briefed the Minister about the academic progress as well as progress on infrastructure development and other related aspects.
