Sakeena Itoo Directs CEOs for Timely Processing of GP Funds

SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo directed Chief Education Officers (CEOs) across the Kashmir division to ensure the timely processing of General Provident (GP) funds and submit detailed reports specifying the number of cases submitted and pending with each CEO.

The directive came during a review meeting held at the Civil Secretariat to assess the performance and functioning of the School Education Department across the Kashmir division. The meeting was attended by the Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani, Joint Directors, all district CEOs, and other senior officials of the department.

During the meeting, the Minister carried out a comprehensive review of academic performance, infrastructure development, teacher deployment, and the timely distribution of textbooks and learning materials. She emphasised that all schools must receive textbooks before the commencement of the academic session to ensure smooth implementation of the academic calendar.

“Timely availability of books and supplies is crucial to maintaining the academic calendar and ensuring that no student is left behind,” she said, directing officials to streamline the distribution process through better coordination between divisional and district offices while ensuring transparency at all levels.

Taking a strong note of the unregulated sale of textbooks at exorbitant prices by private schools and bookshops, the Minister instructed CEOs to conduct regular inspections and take strict action against violators. She also asked the Director School Education to issue a detailed order specifying the curriculum and textbooks to be followed by all schools and ensure strict compliance.

In addition to financial and administrative matters, Sakeena Itoo directed the CEOs to monitor coaching centres to ensure they adhere to safety and registration norms, warning that action will be taken against unregistered institutions.

Highlighting the crucial role of teachers, the Minister called for regular capacity-building and training programmes to enhance teaching standards. She also stressed the need for effective monitoring of attendance, performance, and classroom engagement to ensure accountability in the education system.

The Minister urged officers to resolve all pending administrative and academic matters within a fixed timeframe, assuring that the government remained committed to improving the quality of education and creating a supportive environment for both students and teachers.

Director School Education Kashmir, and the district CEOs briefed the Minister on academic progress, infrastructure projects, and ongoing initiatives in the education sector.