Ramban: In a concerted effort to address the critical challenges of low female literacy, school dropout rates, and the status of Tuberculosis (TB) in Ramban district, the Deputy Commissioner RambanBaseer-Ul-HaqChaudhary chaired a high level meeting at the District Administrative Complex, here on Saturday.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including ADDC RoshanLal, ADC RambanVarunjeet Singh Charak, PO ICDS Jahangir Hashmi, ACR, SDMs, CPO, CEO, CMO, Principals, BMOs and other key officers from the Education and Health departments.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner expressed concern over the district’s low female literacy rate, currently at 38.04%, and the troubling school dropout rates, which stood at 31% in 2021-22, 23.56% in 2022-23, and 18.98% in 2023-24.
He highlighted the urgent need to address these issues, as both female literacy and reducing dropout rates are vital for overall societal development and empowerment. He emphasized that improving female literacy is not only essential for educational advancement but is also a crucial step towards achieving gender equality and economic progress in the district.
To bridge the gap in education, the DC directed the Education Department to ensure the optimal use of digital technology across the district. He instructed that smart classrooms be used to provide equitable educational opportunities, particularly in Higher Secondary Schools, where staff shortages are a challenge. By virtually connecting schools through smart classrooms, the DC emphasized the potential to enhance the quality of education and reach students in even the most remote areas.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) and school principals to conduct regular visits to schools within their clusters to ensure the effective use of available staff and infrastructure. He called for a comprehensive assessment of existing subject streams, available and vacant lecturer posts, and educational facilities, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
In addition to education, the meeting also focused on the ongoing battle against Tuberculosis (TB) in the district. The DC reviewed the current TB control measures and discussed strategies to strengthen the district’s response to the disease.
He instructed the Health Department to intensify efforts in early detection, leveraging the support of local teachers, and ensuring prompt treatment of TB cases, especially in high-risk areas. The Chief Medical Officer was directed to ensure that TB patients receive uninterrupted treatment and necessary support.
Furthermore, the importance of raising awareness about TB prevention, symptoms, and treatment was emphasized. The DC urged the Health Department to conduct community-based awareness programs, utilizing local media, ASHA workers, and health volunteers to educate the public about TB and its impact.
