Implementation Delayed Due to Staff Shortages: Minister Sakina Itoo Reviews SED
Srinagar, Oct 21 (KNO): Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced on Monday that the government plans to revert the academic session to November-December starting next year, 2025.
In 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education and School Education Department had introduced a Uniform Academic Calendar to be followed from 2022-23. However, speaking to Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Itoo confirmed, “We are aiming to restore the November-December academic session from the next academic year.”
She added that it was not feasible to implement the change this year due to various constraints, particularly the shortage of staff in the School Education Department (SED). "I’ve been receiving numerous requests from stakeholders to revert to the old schedule," Itoo said, emphasizing the need to address infrastructure and staffing challenges first.
On Monday, Itoo chaired a meeting to review the functioning of the SED, where various issues and concerns were discussed. The minister stressed the importance of joint efforts to improve educational outcomes across the region, stating that the government’s top priority is to provide quality education in line with modern scientific and digital standards.
She directed the Principal Secretary to identify vacant posts within the department and refer them for recruitment as soon as possible. Itoo also instructed the directors of school education in Jammu and Kashmir to develop teacher training modules, ensuring that educators are well-versed in the latest teaching methods.
Additionally, she called for upgrading facilities at girls' hostels to improve access to education for female students.
