Anantnag, Mar 07: Director of School Education Kashmir said on Friday that the department has collaborated with higher institutions like Kashmir University, Cluster University, Central University, and IUST.
G N Itoo, Director Education, Kashmir said that Under this initiative, final-year postgraduate students from these institutions will complete their internships by teaching subject-specific books in government schools. This will help address the shortage of subject-specific teachers through a three-month rotation period.
Speaking to reporters in Vailoo Anantnag, Itoo said that the department’s special enrolment drive has been launched as schools reopen after the winter break. “Our aim is to ensure that all eligible students enroll in schools and to raise awareness among parents and the community about the importance of education,” he said.
Director said that government schools offer free uniforms, books, mid-day meals, and scholarships, and the local community should be aware of these benefits to encourage maximum enrollment. “In remote areas, access to both government and private schools is limited, but the government must take responsibility to provide necessary facilities using all available resources,” he added.
On infrastructure challenges, Itoo said that while some schools face accommodation shortages, plans are in place under various schemes like Samagra, UT and District CAPEX to address these issues gradually. Priority will be given to schools with high enrolment and those serving as the only educational institutions in certain areas.
Regarding teacher shortages, he said that staff rationalization is an ongoing process, ensuring teachers from surplus schools are relocated within districts where they are needed most. Besides, at the cluster level, subject-specific teachers are engaged under Samagra, a provision that remains valid until March 30, with plans to extend it further.
Director said that they have collaborated with higher institutions like Kashmir University, Cluster University, Central University, and IUST. These institutions have proposed a formula under which their final-year postgraduate students will complete internships in government schools, teaching subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Science to help address staff shortages.
“This initiative will help reduce the subject-specific staff deficiency in schools. Besides, wherever there is surplus staff, teachers will be reassigned to nearby schools within the district as part of the rationalization process. This will ensure that schools with high enrollment get the subject-specific teachers they need,” he said.
