Textbook distribution will be completed before reopening of schools: DSEK

Srinagar, Feb 08: Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), G N Itoo on Saturday said that 60 percent of textbooks have been distributed to all government schools in the Kashmir Valley.
He assured that the distribution process will be fully completed prior to the reopening of schools in the region.
Speaking to reporters, Itoo said that the school education department is actively working to address all existing vacancies in accordance with government guidelines and directives. This initiative aims to enhance monitoring and improve the quality of education in government schools.
“The distribution of textbooks is ongoing, and we have successfully provided 60 percent of the required materials to government schools in the Kashmir Valley. We are committed to ensuring that the distribution is completed before schools reopen in the region,” Itoo said
Itoo also mentioned the establishment of a Book Bank in government schools, which will maintain a supply of textbooks for all classes at all times. “Currently, there are 200 winter tuition centers operating across the region, benefiting approximately 33,000 students.”
“At the beginning of the new academic session in the Kashmir Valley, headmasters provided students with previously preserved textbooks from government schools. I commend these headmasters for their efforts in safeguarding these materials and ensuring that students have access to them. These textbooks will continue to be utilized until all students receive their new textbooks. Our priority is to ensure that no student faces difficulties in their education,” he added.
When asked about ASER-2024 Survey has highlighted significant deficiencies in learning outcomes and infrastructural shortcomings within government schools, in response, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has acknowledged the findings of the recently released survey and is currently reviewing it. A special team has been established by the Directorate to address these issues. Additionally, an administrative level meeting was convened, during which the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE), the Jammu and Kashmir State Council of Educational Research and Training (JKSCERT), and the Directorate of School Education Kashmir and Jammu were instructed to develop a comprehensive roadmap.
“This roadmap will focus on addressing infrastructure gaps, implementing capacity-building programs for teachers, and providing exposure programs for students. Our teams are actively engaged in this initiative, and we plan to submit a detailed roadmap to the government into the upcoming days . The government is taking this matter seriously, as the report contains numerous positive aspects, indicating that we are performing relatively well at certain levels compared to national standards. However, we are also committed to identifying and addressing any weaknesses. The education department will work with Kashmir University, JKSCERT, JKBOSE and the other NGOs working with the department and have expertise in learning outcomes to prepare the roadmap into the upcoming days that will be strictly followed, ” he added.