*Education Reforms Yield Results as Enrolment Rises, Dropouts Decline in J&K: Minister Sakina Itoo*
*Credits staff rationalisation, govt focus under CM Omar Abdullah for improved academic outcomes; felicitates Class 12 toppers in Kulgam*
Aazan Manzoor
Kulgam, Mar 29 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Sunday said that the government has undertaken significant measures over the past one to one-and-a-half years to rationalise staff deployment, address shortages, and improve the quality of education across Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the sidelines of a function in Kulgam, as per news agency JKNS, the Minister said, “In the past one to one-and-a-half years, we have made consistent efforts to guide our Heads of Departments to rationalise staff deployment. Where there was surplus staff and fewer students, adjustments were made, and where there were shortages, staff was deployed accordingly to ensure quality education reaches every area.”
She added, “Over the last one-and-a-half years, enrolment has increased by around 12 percent. Earlier, there were issues like staff shortages and high dropout rates, but since the formation of this government under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, priority has been given to both health and education sectors.”
Highlighting academic outcomes, she said, “The recent results, particularly from the winter zone, reflect the capability of our students as well as the sustained efforts made by the department over the past year. We are hopeful that results from the summer zone will also be encouraging.”
Meanwhile, addressing a gathering during the ‘Mega Shining Star’ ceremony at Government Degree College Kulgam, the Minister congratulated meritorious students for their achievements and said their success represents dedication, perseverance, and the collective support of teachers and families.
She said that students and youth are the foundation of Jammu and Kashmir’s future, adding that their accomplishments signify hope, progress, and the transformative power of education.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through improved infrastructure, enhanced digital learning, and equal opportunities for students in both rural and urban areas, while also appreciating the role of teachers in shaping a progressive society. (JKNS)
