Srinagar, Mar 21: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that the School Education Department currently has no immediate plans to upgrade schools in the Union Territory. This decision follows the recent upgradation of a significant number of schools, while many others still require improvements in human resources and infrastructure.
At present, the department’s primary focus is on enhancing existing infrastructure and optimizing resources in the already upgraded schools, the government said.
During an Assembly session, MLA Showkat Hussain Ganie raised a question regarding the upgradation of schools, particularly in Shopian District. In response, the Minister for School Education acknowledged that the department has received numerous requests from the public and elected representatives to upgrade schools to higher levels. These requests have been forwarded to the respective Chief Education Officers (CEOs) for feasibility assessments.
Specifically, regarding the proposed upgradation of High Schools in Wachi, Chitragam, Trenz, DK Pora, Heff and Aglar, the minister confirmed that the CEO of Shopian has been tasked with preparing a feasibility report.
The minister further clarified that for a High School to be upgraded to Higher Secondary status, it must meet the following criteria: be located at least 7 kilometres away from the nearest higher secondary institution and have a minimum enrollment of 35 students in the highest class.
The School Education Department will consider upgrading schools based on feasibility reports, availability of resources, and the need for staffing and infrastructure development, the minister said.
