Every Child Deserves Quality Education, Says Sakeena Itoo

SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare and Health, Sakeena Itoo, on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the performance and functioning of the School Education Department (SED) across Jammu and Kashmir.

Senior officials including Secretary SED Ram Niwas Sharma, Directors of School Education for Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Education Officers, and other department heads attended the meeting.

The Minister reviewed key indicators such as learning outcomes, infrastructure, teacher performance, human resource management, and implementation of major schemes including Samagra Shiksha, PM-POSHAN, New India Literacy Programme (NILP), and PM-Shri.

Emphasising the importance of inclusive and quality education, Sakeena Itoo said that all children, irrespective of socio-economic background, should have access to education. She called for targeted efforts to improve teacher training, digital access, and learning outcomes.

While reviewing enrolment data, especially for girls and marginalised communities, the Minister directed officers to maintain enrolment levels through proper scheme implementation. She highlighted the role of the Beti Anmol scheme in supporting girl students at higher secondary levels.

Expressing concern over infrastructure gaps in remote areas, the Minister directed the department to ensure electricity connections and solar panels are installed in all left-out schools within six months. She also asked for the establishment of toilets and other basic facilities in such schools within four months.

Sakeena Itoo stressed on accountability among educators and administrators, stating that non-performance should not be tolerated. She said principals must also take classes, in addition to managing school operations.

She instructed that teacher transfers should not take place at zonal or district levels without consultation with Directors of Education. Any unauthorised shifting of teacher attendance must be addressed and responsibility fixed.

Regarding infrastructure development, the Minister asked officials to coordinate regularly with executing agencies to ensure timely completion of projects, noting the limited working season in parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to education reforms, stating that these efforts must equip students to meet future challenges.

The Secretary, SED, presented a detailed briefing on the department’s performance and ongoing initiatives.