J&K CM stresses on making educational institutions schools of excellence

           Jammu /Thana Mandi (Rajouri), May 19 ( Scoop News) –J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah highlighted the need of making educational institutions the schools of excellence and high order learning.

            “Various young persons from Kashmir have proved their mettle by topping and figuring in the selection lists of Indian Administrative Service and other examinations”, he said and added that boys and girls of the State are set to achieve new highs in coming years.

            The Chief Minister was addressing a well attended public gathering here after inaugurating Degree College complex, constructed at a cost of over Rs. 5.75 crore at Thana Mandi.

             Omar emphasized on providing required faculties in the Degree Colleges adding that the infrastructure alone can not help achieve the goals set in the sector of higher education. “Unless educational institutions are provided with qualified and needed teaching staff, the development will be lopsided”, he asserted.

            Underlining the importance of skills development and enhancement of employability among the educated youth, the Chief Minister said that besides 18 modern Polytechnic Colleges about 140 ITIs are being established in the State of which around 60 to 70 will come up in the Poonch, Rajouri and adjacent districts. He urged the youth to seek technical education and get easily absorbed in the job market.

            The Chief Minister said that over 70 percent population is living in rural and far flung areas and government functionaries have to reach them for all round development. “Education is the sector receiving focus of the government”, he said and told Education Department to implement the schemes as per the schedules ensuring benefits to the students. He said quality education and human resources development should be the bench mark of educational institutions in the State. 

            Omar said that in order to ensure education to the children of Gujjar and Bakerwal migratory population government has initiated measures for revival of mobile schools. He said these communities could not take best advantage of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for being educationally backward. He urged them to ensure proper education to their children.

            On ST status to Pahari speaking people,  Omar once again made it clear that his government would vigorously persuade the issue with the Centre. “However, grant of ST status to Paharis will not be at the cost of Gujjars and Bakerwals”, he said maintaining that government is committed to safeguard the interests of Gujjars and Bakerwals while pursuing for ST status to Paharis.

            The Chief Minister cautioned the people of the designs of elements wanting to wedge apart various sections of the society for vested interests. He asked them to remain united and exhibit the traditional amity and brotherhood.

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