Vows for adopting student-centric initiatives, strengthening placement cells, digital learning infrastructure
Also calls for facilitating students from remote, marginalized communities
Sakeena Itoo lays e-foundation stone of Teachers Quarters at GHSS Khull, DH Pora Kulgam
Says this move will improve teaching standards, encourage talented teachers to willingly serve in rural, far-flung areas
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 01: Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo today conducted a comprehensive review of the academic and administrative functioning of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Rajouri, in a high-level meeting held at Civil Secretariat here.
The meeting was attended by Vice Chancellor, BGSBU, Prof. Jawaid Iqbal; Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education department (HED), Shantamanu; Deputy Commissioner Rajouri/Registrar BGSBU, Abhishek Sharma; Director RUSA, Special Secretaries of HED, Director Finance and Director Planning HED and other senior officers of University administration and HED, either in person or through video conferencing.
During the meeting, the Minister took detailed assessment of university’s progress across multiple fronts, like teaching and research output, infrastructure development, student welfare measures, and other initiatives of the university.
During the meeting, Minister Sakeena underlined that BGSBU, being a key higher education hub in the Pir Panjal region, carries a special responsibility in shaping the future of youth through quality education, skill development, and character building. She called upon the university authorities to adopt student-centric initiatives, strengthen placement cells, and enhance digital learning infrastructure to keep pace with national and global standards.
While reviewing the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects in the University, the Minister directed the administration to ensure timely completion of these projects. She further stressed on the officers to initiate only those new infrastructure projects in the University which deem necessary for its smooth functioning.
She also instructed the university administration to complete the renovation works on hostels in a time bound manner so that the students can stay there comfortably and with ease.
While reviewing the Human Resource position of the university, the Minister directed the officers to engage teaching staff on academic arrangement basis in courses having maximum roll of students till the vacant positions are filled on regular basis. She also called upon the University administration that students from remote and marginalized communities should be facilitated at the university and adequate support through scholarships, remedial coaching, and mentorship programs should be provided to them on regular basis.
The Minister also lauded the University administration for record number of admissions in the current session and assured them of government’s full support in addressing its requirements. She reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education in Jammu and Kashmir and lauded the efforts of BGSBU in fostering academic excellence across the region.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri/Registrar BGSBU presented a detailed presentation on the functioning of the University.
Sakeena Itoo also laid the e-foundation stone for the construction of Teachers Quarters at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Khull in DH Pora area of district Kulgam.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the initiative will go a long way in improving the academic atmosphere by ensuring proper accommodation facilities for teachers. She added that the move will help enhance the overall educational standards in the area, while also boosting morale of the teaching staff posted in far-flung regions.
“By providing proper accommodation for teachers, Government is ensuring their presence, stability, and motivation to serve in far-flung areas. This step will directly contribute to raising the standard of education in Khull and nearby regions”, the Minister stated.
The Education Minister further emphasized that improving the academic atmosphere in rural schools is a top priority of the Government, highlighting that adequate infrastructure, ranging from school buildings, laboratories and digital learning facilities, to residential quarters for staff, is essential to strengthen the education system.
“Education is the cornerstone of progress and social transformation. Omar Abdullah led Government is committed to extending quality education to every child, regardless of geography. Initiatives like these will not only improve teaching standards but also encourage talented teachers to willingly serve in rural and far-flung areas,” she said.
On the occasion, several locals also interacted with the Education Minister virtually. They expressed gratitude for the project, terming it a long-awaited demand that will ease hardships faced by teachers posted in the area. The locals highlighted that this move of Government will significantly help in ensuring regularity of classes and strengthen teacher-student engagement.
While interacting with the locals, Minister Sakeena reiterated that Omar Abdullah led Government is committed towards strengthening educational infrastructure in rural and remote areas, emphasizing that quality education is the foundation of socio-economic development.
Director School Education Kashmir, Director Health Services Kashmir, CEO Kulgam, senior officers of district administration, sectoral officers of various line departments and large number of locals participated in the programme.
