CS for looking into imparting instructions in vernacular languages as per NEP in our schools

Reviews functioning of Schools here in the UT

JAMMU, December 9: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today while assessing the educational scenario in the schools of the UT remarked that the Department should look into the means for imparting instructions to students in local languages of the UT as per the guidelines of the New Education Policy (NEP)-2020.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, School Education Department; Project Director, Samagra Shiksha; Director School Education Kashmir/Jammu; Chairperson JKBOSE besides other concerned.

During this meeting the Chief Secretary took insights into the facilities available in the schools especially primary ones of the UT. He asked about the infrastructure available to give quality education to the students enrolled there. He asked about the status of the availability of drinking water, electricity and hygiene also.

Dulloo further observed that as per the New Education Policy of the country the instructions at the primary level ought to be given in local languages of the area. He asked for making preparations for the same and introduce such changes in the text books of these classes also.

He even took note of the female literacy rate of the UT and advised the Department to take every initiative in bringing each girl child to the school here. He enquired about the quality of meals provided in schools under mid day meals scheme. He also asked the department to further enhance the enrollment ratio in the government schools as their potential has not yet been harnessed fully.

The Chief Secretary asked about different innovative steps taken by the Department in enhancing the quality of education in our schools. He appreciates initiatives of the department like JK ATTENDANCE system and SAMIKSHA App developed by Samagra Shiksha and implemented across the UT to ensure presence of teachers in the schools and to monitor their work outcomes.

The Chief Secretary directed Samagra Shiksha to arrange live demonstration of both the Apps to see its impact and working collation of real time data through it. He said that,  indicators are vital to analyse the holistic development in School Education sector and asked the officers to take its review fortnightly.

In his presentation the Principal Secretary, School Education, Alok Kumar gave overall outlook of the Department including its working and results marked so far. He revealed that the enrollment ratio in government schools is increasing as compared to private schools which is a good sign of improvement of school infrastructure and education here.

He further made out that the department has a very fine infrastructure sufficient at each level including primary, upper primary, high schools. He said that the deficiency at higher secondary level has been met with the engagement of around 1400 resource persons.

Earlier, Project Director Samagra Shikah Deep Raj, in his presentation, apprised  the meeting that, during November, 2023 10.06 Lakh feedbacks have been received from 3.40 lakh children. He also informed that, 110450 Employees are daily marking coordinates based attendance, which has ensured the regularity and punctuality among the teaching fraternity in the schools.

He also informed that, 40000 Tabs are being provided to teachers of primary schools, for facilitation to the  Students on digital lines to improve learning outcomes.

Moreover in order to boost the scientific temper among the students, 326 Astro Physics Labs stands established. In addition 534 smart classrooms, 1003 ICT Labs, are in process of establishment through out the length and breadth of J&K.

Further Command & Control Centre for the whole UT (Vidya Samiksha Kendra), a single platform for all interventions of the department is going to be established at a cost of Rs 4 Cr at Jammu in the coming month, as was informed in the meeting.