CM Omar revives lecturer appointments with 117 recruits
SRINAGAR, JULY 08: In a landmark move in Jammu & Kashmir’s education sector, the Government on Wednesday revived appointments to School Lecturer posts, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah handing over appointment letters to 117 newly selected lecturers. These are the first lecturer appointments in the School Education Department in many years.
The Chief Minister also fulfilled his Budget 2026 commitment by announcing a full fee waiver for school and college students belonging to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families. The move is expected to make education more affordable and accessible.
These decisions were announced by the Chief Minister during Education Conclave 2026 – “Buniyaad Se Bulandi Tak”, organised by Samagra Shiksha and the Departments of School Education and Higher Education.
Meanwhile, according to an order issued by the School Education Department, students of Classes IX to XII enrolled in government schools and belonging to AAY households will be exempt from payment of all fees levied by government schools. The benefit will be available to students possessing a valid AAY Ration Card or any other prescribed proof of eligibility.
Similarly, the Higher Education Department has approved a 100 per cent fee waiver for eligible undergraduate students studying from the first to the eighth semester in Government Degree Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir.
The order specifies that the concession will be extended only to students belonging to AAY families who produce a valid AAY Ration Card or other prescribed supporting documents. However, students already receiving financial assistance or scholarships under any other government scheme will not be eligible for this benefit.
The government has clarified that the exemption will not apply to charges payable to any external statutory authority or examining body, where the concerned departments do not have the authority to waive such fees. Such payments will continue to be governed by the existing rules unless specifically exempted by the competent authority.
To ensure transparency in implementation, Heads of Institutions and Principals of Government Degree Colleges have been directed to thoroughly verify the eligibility of beneficiaries before granting the fee waiver. They have also been instructed to maintain proper records for audit, inspection and future verification.
The government further stated that the financial implications arising from the scheme will be assessed by the respective Directorates and submitted to the Administrative Departments for reimbursement through the Finance Department.
The Directors of School Education and Colleges have been asked to ensure strict implementation of the orders, including verification of beneficiaries, maintenance of records, effective monitoring, and submission of periodic progress reports.
The initiative is expected to provide major financial relief to thousands of students from economically weaker AAY families and encourage greater access to quality education across the Union Territory.
The conclave also saw the launch of several educational infrastructure and digital initiatives. The Chief Minister inaugurated 2,109 works in the education sector worth more than ₹115 crore. He also inaugurated a virtual classroom studio and a high-tech auditorium at Government College of Engineering and Technology, Jammu.
Recognising the stellar academic performance of students, the Chief Minister felicitated 67 meritorious school and college students and honoured National Award-winning teachers.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected exhibition stalls showcasing student innovations, institutional reforms and technological initiatives.
Praising the young innovators, the Chief Minister said their work, ranging from patents to start-ups, demonstrated how technology and quality education can solve everyday problems and improve people’s lives.
Appreciating Education Minister Sakina Itoo for initiating several reforms and budgetary interventions, the Chief Minister assured that the government would continue investing in educational infrastructure, institutional development, and improving the service conditions of teachers and academicians to ensure equitable access to quality education across Jammu and Kashmir.
Calling teachers the backbone of society, he said every profession—whether doctors, engineers, soldiers or police officers—begins with a teacher. He assured that the government would continue working to strengthen schools, support teachers and improve learning outcomes for all.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, several Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, the Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department, Vice-Chancellors of universities, Director Colleges, Directors of School Education, Kashmir and Jammu, and other senior officers of the Education Department attended the occasion. They were joined by academicians and students at the day-long conclave.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress of the education sector in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the achievements of students, the Chief Minister said, “I leave this conclave with renewed confidence in the future of Jammu and Kashmir.”
