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Written by: Ajmer Alam Wani

Category: INTERVIEWS/PROFILES

Published: 07 July 2023

JAMMU: In an exclusive interview conducted by Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor (www.jkmonitor.org) Ajmer Alam Wani, Project Director of Samagra Shiksha in Jammu and Kashmir, Er Deep Raj Kanethia (JKAS) revealed the numerous challenges faced by the education system in the region. These challenges include the lack of parental support, low family education, family mobility, student absenteeism and truancy, lack of interest in education, student's socioeconomic status, child bearing and domestic chores, delinquent behavior, drug and alcohol abuse, poor academic performance, academic demotivation, insufficient infrastructure in remote areas, addressing educational disparities among marginalized communities, girls, and children with disabilities, teacher recruitment and training and the need for an inclusive and relevant curriculum.

However, Er Deep Raj Kanethia (JKAS) also disclosed that several initiatives are in the pipeline to revamp the education system in Jammu and Kashmir. One of the major initiatives is the establishment of the School Education Excellence Hub, which will be set up at a cost of Rs. 8.70 crores. The hub will house a unique Command and Control Centre and an innovative lab for experiential learning, serving as a model for the entire Union Territory.

To provide digital access to education, the project aims to provide 1000 ICT labs and 1700 smart classrooms in the coming months, benefiting over 1.5 lakh students. Additionally, 200 students from poor families will receive NEET/IIT coaching free of cost in 2023-24. The Netaji Subash Chander Awasiya Vidhayala Scheme will also be implemented, constructing seven hostels at a cost of Rs. 24.50 crores to provide residential facilities to 700 students.

Read more: Exclusive interview with Project Director, Samagra Shiksha Jammu and Kashmir, Er Deep Raj Kanethia...