Jammu : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Wednesday chaired a meeting to review the availability of land and infrastructure for Central Government educational institutions, including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and KendriyaVidyalayas (KVs), that are either non-functional or presently operating from temporary premises across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department; Secretary, Revenue; Deputy Commissioners representing Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (JNV) and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS); Director School Education, Jammu/Kashmir; Regional Officer, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Jammu, besides other senior officers. Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners from the districts participated through video conferencing.
During a recent review, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for detailed district-wise and institution-wise assessments of the current infrastructure status of schools in Jammu and Kashmir. He specifically inquired about the identification of suitable land for permanent school buildings and the arrangements for temporary accommodations until the infrastructure is developed. The Chief Secretary directed the Revenue Department to expedite the transfer of identified land parcels to the School Education Department, facilitating leasing to the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan for prompt execution of construction works. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing districts lacking Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) or Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and urged for the immediate commencement of academic activities in areas with identified temporary accommodations. Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary of the School Education Department, provided an update on the status of KVs and JNVs, noting that out of 51 KVs sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir, 37 are operational, while 14 are in the establishment phase. Three new KVs in Ramban and Kathua districts are expected to become functional soon. Additionally, 21 JNVs have been sanctioned, with 20 already functioning in their own buildings. The JNV for Srinagar is set to operate from a district-identified building until permanent infrastructure is developed. The remaining 11 KVs are in advanced stages of establishment, with land identified and temporary accommodations arranged. Locations for these KVs include various districts such as Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Poonch, Kupwara, and Pulwama. Deputy Commissioners reported on the progress of land identification and building availability in their districts, confirming that the transfer and allotment processes have begun in coordination with KVS and JNV authorities. Representatives from the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti shared their commitment to operationalizing these institutions promptly, aiming to commence academic activities in the upcoming session. The Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing educational infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, urging all stakeholders to collaborate closely to ensure the swift operationalization of these schools, thereby improving access to quality education for students.
