Calls for joint efforts to strengthen education sector
SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Wednesday chaired a meeting with Civil Society Members as well as representatives of Private Schools Association and Parents Association, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to discuss key issues concerning the school education sector and explore measures for improving the quality, transparency and overall functioning of the education system in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting witnessed detailed deliberations on a range of issues, including the availability and pricing of textbooks, freedom of choice for parents in purchasing books and uniforms, academic coordination between government and private schools, timely preparation for the commencement of the new academic session, issues related to school recognition and No Objection Certificates (NOCs), verification procedures and other concerns raised by the stakeholders.
Commissioner Secretary, School Education, Ram Niwas Sharma; Chairman JKBOSE, Director School Education Jammu/Kashmir, Secretary JKBOSE, other senior officers of school education department were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the participants, the Minister appreciated the constructive suggestions put forth by representatives from both Jammu and Kashmir divisions and underscored the need for sustained engagement among all stakeholders to address the concerns of students, parents and educational institutions.
She emphasised that the primary objective of both government and private educational institutions should be to ensure the delivery of quality education and provide students with an enabling environment for academic excellence, holistic development and future success.
“The objective should not be to compare government schools with private institutions, but to work collectively towards providing quality education to every child. Both sectors have made significant contributions to the education system, and their respective strengths must be acknowledged and further strengthened,” the Minister said.
Sakeena Itoo said that the government is committed to strengthening public education while also recognising the important role played by private schools in expanding educational opportunities. She called for greater coordination, mutual understanding and institutional cooperation to ensure that the interests of students remain paramount.
“Government has made concerted efforts in coordination to streamline the system and address longstanding administrative and academic issues”, she said.
She acknowledged the role of departmental officers and the leadership of the concerned educational institutions in resolving pending matters and bringing greater efficiency to the functioning of the education sector.
Emphasising the importance of advance planning for the academic session, the Minister said that necessary preparations concerning textbooks, syllabus and other academic requirements must be undertaken well in advance, particularly in view of the proposed commencement of the new academic session in November.
She directed the concerned officers to examine the issues raised during the meeting and take appropriate measures to ensure timely resolution of matters falling within their jurisdiction.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to the welfare of students, Sakeena Itoo said that every effort would be made to address genuine concerns and strengthen the education system through transparent, accountable and consultative mechanisms.
She called upon all stakeholders to work in close coordination with the Education Department and contribute towards creating a more responsive, equitable and student-centric educational environment across Jammu and Kashmir.
