Student development govt’s top priority: Sakeena

Srinagar, Oct 22: Minister for Education, Social Welfare and Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Masood Itoo, today chaired maiden review meeting of Higher Education Department (HED) at Civil Secretariat here.
The Minister had a detailed review of functioning of the department including achievements and challenges faced by the department in improving education outcomes, research and development besides infrastructure development and filing of vacancies.
Maintaining that well-being of the students is top priority for the government, the Minister stated that officers should keep in mind the best interests of the students and work towards that goal. She asked the officers to work hard for the benefit of students and strive towards enabling our institutions match global standards of knowledge production and dissemination.
She sought details about the ongoing construction of 51 colleges and asked the concerned to expedite the work for benefit of the student community. She also asked the officers to examine the feasibility of establishment of new colleges as per the laid down norms and guidelines.
Regarding NAAC accreditation of colleges, HED Minister sought inputs about the progress made in respect of all the required parameters. She asked them to prioritise the areas as per the accreditation requirements so that all colleges in Jammu and Kashmir are NAAC accredited.
Regarding the annual transfer drive, the Minister highlighted that students should be made aware of the same so that they do not have to come to offices with applications.
Earlier, the HED Minister was given a detailed presentation wherein she was informed about the major digital interventions in higher education, component wise Capex Budget 2024-25, National Education Policy, industry- academia collaboration, status of posts among other things.
She also reviewed the hostel facility for students in colleges and said that work on all the under construction hostels should be expedited.
It was informed in the meeting that three hostels for girls are under construction in Bemina, Kupwara and Pulwama degree colleges.
The Minister assured support to address all the issues of Higher Education department including the dearth of staff, infrastructure and equipment. She told the officers that all interventions should be carried out for the benefit of the student community.
The meeting, among others, was attended by Commissioner Secretary HED, Special Secretary HED, Director Finance HED, Director Colleges HED, Nodal Principal of Colleges Kashmir.