Minister calls for collective efforts to strengthen education sector in J&K
Srinagar : Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday held a meeting with members of civil society, representatives from the Private Schools Association, the Parents Association, non-governmental organizations, and other key stakeholders.
The focus was on tackling important issues within the school education sector and brainstorming ways to enhance the quality, transparency, and overall effectiveness of the education system in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting featured in-depth discussions on various topics, such as the availability and pricing of textbooks, parents’ freedom to choose where to buy books and uniforms, academic collaboration between government and private schools, and ensuring everything is ready for the new academic session. They also addressed concerns regarding school recognition, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), verification processes, and other issues raised by the attendees. Among those present were Commissioner Secretary of School Education, Ram Niwas Sharma; the Chairman of JKBOSE; the Director of School Education for Jammu and Kashmir; the Secretary of JKBOSE; and other senior officials from the school education department.
During her address, the Minister expressed her appreciation for the valuable suggestions shared by representatives from both Jammu and Kashmir. She highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders to tackle the concerns of students, parents, and educational institutions alike. She stressed that the main goal for both government and private educational institutions should be to deliver quality education and create an environment that fosters academic excellence, holistic development, and future success for students. “We shouldn’t be comparing government schools to private ones; instead, we should unite in our efforts to provide quality education for every child. Both sectors have made significant contributions to our education system, and we need to recognize and build on their respective strengths,” the Minister concluded.
