Srinagar, July 16: To discuss and fast-track interventions under key-policy indicators identified in the Education sector under “Aspirational Districts Programme”, the Advisor to Governor, Khurshid Ahmed Ganai today attended a country-wide video-conference chaired by Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Prakash Javadekar.
During the meeting representatives of all the states shared present status for key policy indicators.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister urged upon all connected Departments to fast-track the tendering process for the construction of 70 model colleges in the country. The meeting was informed that for J&K, Kupwara and Baramulla districts have been selected under Aspirational Districts.
The Union Minister also emphasized upon having toilet facilities in all schools in the country. He called for taking effective steps to ensure that all schools become open-defecation free.
Placing high priority on uninterrupted power supply in all Government schools, Javadekar said the Government is not charging any fee from their students, therefore, they should be exempted from paying regular electricity charges. He said that it is the duty of the State Governments to take up the matter with the power regulators in their respective States and convince them so that Government schools are charged domestic rates only.
Emphasizing upon better management of human resource in the Education sector, the Union Minister said the country has sufficient teachers to cater to students. However, he added that the problem lies in ensuring that they work where they are supposed to.
The Minister explained that presently the country has one teacher for 30 students, which is quite sufficient. He said that need is to deploy them properly in remote and aspirational districts so that the purpose of their recruitment is served in the real sense.
Stressing on the need for teaching based on learning outcome, the Minister said the orthodox style of teaching needs to be replaced with the modern style, which includes adapting of technology and new techniques. He said for improving the education system, the agencies including DIET, NCERT and other related agencies should take a lead by imparting various trainings so that the teachers serving the departments in their respective states are well versed with the modern style of teaching and technology.
Highlighting the importance of including local legislators in the process of improving the education scenario in their respective areas, Javadekar said it is important that MLAs are also made aware about the status of education profile in their districts so that they can also do their bit to make the much-needed improvement.
Directing for upgradation of schools, the Minister said that it is high time that the schools presently upto 8th standard should be upgraded to secondary level and the secondary level schools should be upgraded to higher secondary level. He assured the centre would help in the initiative.
