The Principal Secretary of the School Education Department (SED) J&K, Suresh Kumar Gupta, on Wednesday said that vocational cum skill education has been introduced in 1315 schools in the current year, and it shall be introduced in 554 more schools in 2024-25.
The Principal Secretary conducted an extensive tour of educational institutions in the Kathua district to review their functioning, infrastructure, and overall progress.
He visited Government High School Uchapind (Zone Bhadddu), Government Higher Secondary School Gurah Kalyal, Government Higher Secondary School Nagrota Gujroo, and Government Middle School Kandharnoo.
He was accompanied by the *Director School Education Jammu Ashok Kumar, Project Director Samagra Shiksha Rakesh Magotra, & Chief Education Officer and senior officers of the Department.
During his visit, Gupta interacted with students, teachers, and staff to assess the quality of education and address challenges faced by these schools. He emphasized the need for academic excellence, holistic development of children, and innovative teaching methodologies to enhance learning outcomes.
At Government High School Uchapind, he inspected the infrastructure and directed authorities to address gaps in basic facilities like drinking water and sanitation. In GHSSS, Nagrota Gujroo, he reviewed academic initiatives and encouraged staff to make optimal use of ICT-enabled classrooms.
He also issued directions for the immediate construction of necessary infrastructure. The principal secretary commended the vocational training program at Government Higher Secondary School Gurah Kalyal and highlighted the importance of skill education.
Speaking to the reporters, Suresh Kumar Gupta said that in the Jammu and Kashmir Union territory, vocational cum skill education has been introduced in 1315 schools, and in the current year, it shall be introduced in 554 more schools.
“The education sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the socio-economic development of a state. Historically, India had a knowledge system that not only ensured the effective transfer of a holistic episteme from generation to generation but also its enhancement as per the requirements of age, nation, and society.Recognizing the urgent need to plug these gaps, the government has introduced several groundbreaking reforms* aimed at enhancing the quality, accessibility, and skill orientation of education across India.
He also got the building handed over to the HoI of the school, constructed under UT Capex, which was pending for a long time.
He also reviewed the PM POSHAN Scheme (mid-day meal program) and lauded the efforts of teachers in fostering a positive learning environment. Gupta issued directives to prioritize repair and maintenance of infrastructure, promote digital education, and strengthen vocational training programs, besides health checkups of the students through RBSK teams. He also emphasized community participation in supporting school development and ensuring regular attendance of students.
The principal secretary assured staff and students of the government’s commitment to providing quality education and creating a conducive learning environment. This tour reflects the department’s efforts to monitor and uplift the education system across Jammu & Kashmir.
