DC Jammu calls for strengthening basic school infrastructure

Jammu, Aug 22: Deputy Commissioner Jammu Dr Rakesh Minhas on Friday called for strengthening basic school infrastructure, saying quality education is directly linked to the availability of proper physical facilities.Reviewing the functioning of the School Education Department in district Jammu here, Minhas directed immediate focus on construction of adequate classrooms to meet enrolment needs, provision of separate toilets for boys and girls in all schools, development of playgrounds for the holistic growth of children and strengthening and repair of existing school buildings to ensure safe learning environments.Chief Education Officer Jammu Ajeet Sharma presented a comprehensive profile of School Education scenario in the district through a detailed presentation.The DC instructed all Zonal Education Officers to conduct a thorough assessment and submit detailed reports of infrastructure requirements in their respective zones within two weeks.The discussions on NEP 2020 centred on the theme “School: Building Block” with sub-themes of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Teachers’ Continuous Professional Development and infrastructureThe stakeholders were provided with a structured format to record their suggestions and directed to submit their inputs on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy and Continuous Professional Development within two days.The meeting also deliberated on preparations for the upcoming 5th Chief Secretary Conference scheduled in October 2025. Chief Education Officer Ajeet Sharma apprised the meeting about the progress of developmental works, the current status of schools and the conference agenda, which focuses on the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. The meeting witnessed participation from principals, teachers and education experts, who shared their views and concerns.The Deputy Commissioner and Chief Education Officer assured that all suggestions would be considered while finalising district-level recommendations for the Chief Secretary Conference.The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner, Anmol Rathore; Joint Director SCERT Jammu, Sindhu Kapoor; Chief Planning Officer, Ajay Pal Singh; Chief Education Officer, Ajeet Sharma; DEPO Jammu, BD Sharma; principals of higher secondary schools of district Jammu, Zonal Education Officers of all educational zones of Jammu district, principals and representatives of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas, representatives from private schools, education experts and parents.