Srinagar, Mar 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday announced the introduction of vocational education in 1,350 High and Higher Secondary Schools throughout Jammu and Kashmir, encompassing 15 distinct trades. This initiative is set to expand to an additional 554 new schools. A total of 18 Vocational Training Partners (VTPs) have been appointed to supply vocational trainers.
In response to a query from MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone during the Assembly session, the Minister responsible for the school department stated that the vocationalisation of school education in J&K is a centrally sponsored initiative launched by the Ministry of School Education and Literacy, Government of India, and is being executed by the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha, J&K. Vocational education has been implemented in 1,350 High and Higher Secondary Schools across the region, covering 15 different trades, with plans to extend the program to 554 new schools. Eighteen Vocational Training Partners (VTPs) have been engaged to provide vocational trainers.
“The vocational trainers are hired on a temporary or contractual basis by these VTPs in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Ministry of School Education and Literacy, Government of India,” the minister stated.
However, regarding the integration of vocational trainers into the School Education Department, it is important to clarify that the department is not authorized to engage or bring vocational trainers under its administrative control, as per the guidelines and norms established by the Ministry of School Education and Literacy, Government of India.
The minister also noted that the Higher Secondary School in Tilgam is experiencing a shortage of adequate accommodation. Nevertheless, a three-story building with ten rooms has been approved under the UT CAPEX Budget, with an estimated cost of Rs. 230.69 lacs. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared by the Public Works Department (R&B), and the Accord of Administrative Approval is currently in process at the Directorate level.
However, the installation of an iron gate and fencing at Higher Secondary School Authoora has received approval under the District CAPEX Budget, with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 7.50 lacs. According to the Minister, 60% of the work has been completed, and the remaining tasks are currently underway.
In addition, the construction of an auditorium for Higher Secondary School Kreeri is being proposed under the UT CAPEX for the fiscal year 2025-26 by the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir.
The Minister further said that the introduction of new subjects or streams necessitates the creation of posts for (10+2) lecturers, which entails financial implications and requires the concurrence of the Finance Department.
“The requests for the introduction of new subjects or streams are reviewed by a sub-committee, which then forwards its recommendations to a higher committee chaired by the Director of School Education, Jammu, for the development of guidelines regarding the rationalization and introduction of new subjects,” the Minister added.
