DC Doda reviews functioning of Education Sector, Emphasizes on literacy rate, infra, enrollment

Doda: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda, Harvinder Singh, Tueday chaired a comprehensive meeting with Principals, Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), and the teaching community at the Conference Hall, DC Office Complex, Doda. The meeting focused on reviewing the achievements and challenges in the education sector across the district. Key discussions revolved around the timely completion of the syllabus, efficient utilization of funds for educational development, and maintaining updated records for the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme.
The DC directed the concerned officials to ensure that MDM-related activities remain up to date. Additionally, he delivered a motivational address, urging all stakeholders to work towards improving the quality of education and providing better learning opportunities for students.
During the meeting, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Doda, Mohd Hafiz, presented an overall review of the district’s education sector, highlighting male and female literacy rates.
The DC emphasized the need for efficient strategies to enhance literacy levels and urged stakeholders to share their experiences in increasing enrollment. He directed the CEO to ensure the presence of female staff in all schools, particularly for monitoring female toilet facilities and improving amenities for female students. Furthermore, ZEOs were instructed to compile detailed reports on infrastructure demands, toilet facilities, and other requirements within their respective jurisdictions. Special attention was given to rented schools, where the DC directed officials to ensure proper toilet facilities for students. Enrollment status, including gender-wise distribution, was thoroughly discussed, and the DC urged all stakeholders to enhance government school enrollments while working towards reducing the dropout rate.
The meeting also covered zone-wise pupil-teacher ratios and the shortage of subject-specific teachers in various schools. The DC directed ZEOs to address this issue by ensuring the deployment of subject teachers where needed. Additionally, discussions were held on providing assured minimum facilities in all schools, such as electricity, drinking water, and separate toilets for boys and girls.
The DC instructed the CEO to compile a detailed report on essential facilities and coordinate with the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department to address water shortages by installing water storage tanks in schools.
The status of desk distribution under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives was reviewed, and it was informed that 5,000 desks had been received, out of which 3,726 desks were distributed across 112 schools.
The DC encouraged schools to promote cleanliness and environmental responsibility by creatively utilizing waste materials, as the newly provided desks were made from recycled resources.
Further, the meeting reviewed zone-wise engagement under the AAYA scheme for 2024-25 and assessed the status of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) admissions.
The DC urged concerned officials to motivate students to enroll under KGBV initiatives. Digital initiatives were also discussed, with a strong focus on setting up well-equipped space labs with qualified staff. Principals and ZEOs raised various issues related to school infrastructure and facilities, to which the DC assured prompt action, emphasizing that all necessary resources and improvements would be prioritised for the betterment of the district’s education sector.
The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Doda, Manesh Kumar Manhas, CEO Doda Mohd Hafiz, Principals, ZEOs, and members of the teaching community.