Jammu, Dec 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a crucial meeting to assess the progress of the implementation of the PM SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme in the Union Territory.
The initiative, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Teacher’s Day in 2022, aims to upgrade and develop approximately 14,500 schools nationwide.
In the first phase, the Ministry of Education has approved a total of 233 schools from Jammu and Kashmir for inclusion in the PM SHRI Schools program. Subsequently, in the second phase, J&K UT has recommended 265 additional schools to the Ministry of Education for approval. As many as 20 Master Trainers have been trained in New Delhi, with one designated for each district.
Speaking at the meeting, Lieutenant Governor Sinha emphasised that PM SHRI Schools will play a leadership role by providing mentorship to other schools in their respective areas. The primary focus will be on enhancing learning outcomes for every child in every grade, with an emphasis on promoting critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity across all schools.
A detailed presentation on the guiding principles for school selection under the scheme was provided by Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary of the School Education Department. Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor directed the formulation of a comprehensive five-year plan to minimise the distance children have to travel to reach schools. He stressed that new school sanctions should prioritize proximity to ensure students do not have to travel long distances.
Lt Governor Sinha also urged the inclusion of the life history and contributions of inspirational figures such as General Zorawar Singh, Brig Rajinder Singh, Maqbool Sherwani, and other prominent personalities in the school curriculum. Moreover, he directed the School Education Department to ensure the incorporation of vocational training and skill development programs in schools and the inclusion of Indian Philosophy in all universities within the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; RK Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department; Shaleen Kabra, Financial Commissioner, Revenue; Dr. Mandeep Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor, and Administrative Secretaries. The participants discussed various aspects of the PM SHRI Schools initiative and charted a course for its effective and impactful implementation in the region.
LG releases Jammu Yatri Bhawan Trust’s Panchang 2024
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha released Jammu Yatri Bhawan Trust’s Panchang 2024, at Raj Bhawan today.
The Lt Governor congratulated the editorial team, members of Jammu Yatri Bhawan Trust and Vidwat Parishad.
The Panchang will provide information about religious rituals, auspicious occasions and festivals.
Padam Shri Prof Vishwa Murti Shastri; Pawan Kumar Shastri, President Jammu Yatri Bhawan Trust; Gurdas Sharma, General Secretary of the Trust; Raj Kumar and Koushal, Trustees; Sharat Sharma Member Jammu Yatri Bhawan and Dr Laxmi Dutt Shastri of Vidwat Parishad were present on the occasion.
On the occasion, the members of the Jammu Yatri Bhawan Trust also sought the intervention of the Lt Governor for increasing the frequency of train from Jammu to Dehradun from weekly to daily basis.
The Lt Governor assured the members of the Trust that the matter would be taken up with the concerned authorities for appropriate action.
