This significant move comes in the wake of an editorial article penned by Ajmer Alam Wani, the Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor, advocating for leveraging administrative manpower to address systemic inefficiencies within the educational system.
The editorial article titled "Enhancing educational efficacy: Time calls for leveraging administrative manpower in Jammu and Kashmir," published on February 13, 2024, https://www.jkmonitor.org/enhancing-educational-efficacy-time-calls-for-leveraging-administrative-manpower-in-jammu-and-kashmir underscored the urgency of adopting measures to ensure optimal functioning of educational institutions.
Among the suggested measures, the article emphasized the importance of regular inspections, visits, and monitoring by administrative personnel as strategic solutions to streamline the system and enhance efficacy.
Building upon these recommendations, the Administrative Secretary of the School Education Department, Piyush Singla, today issued Circular No.02-JK(Edu) of 2024 dated 15-02-2024, in which he instructed for the implementation of a robust inspection regime designed to monitor and improve the standards of teaching, academics, and administrative operations within educational institutions.
The circular issued by the School Education Department under the directives of Administrative Secretary Piyush Singla outlines the framework for these administrative inspections and field visits. According to the circular, officers of the department are mandated to conduct regular field visits and tours across educational institutes in different zones to ensure compliance with standards and identify areas for improvement.
Key directives highlighted in the circular include the submission of inspection reports by the 5th of every month, with specific responsibilities assigned to various levels of officials within the department. Special and Additional Secretaries to the government, Director Finance, Director Planning, as well as Deputy and Under Secretaries are tasked with conducting visits to different educational zones twice a week, with a requirement to submit detailed reports to the administrative secretary.
Furthermore, the Directors of School Education for both the Jammu (DSEJ) and Kashmir (DSEK) regions are instructed to conduct regular visits to educational zones in various districts and submit consolidated reports along with recommendations to the administrative department.
The circular also emphasizes the role of Chief Education Officers, Deputy Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, Cluster heads, and Heads of Institutions in conducting visits to schools in remote areas of the districts. These officials are required to submit comprehensive reports detailing their observations and findings.
Importantly, the circular stipulates that scheduled visits shall not be canceled in the event of departmental meetings unless explicitly directed by the Administrative Secretary. Efforts are encouraged to attend such meetings remotely to ensure the continuity of field evaluations.
The initiative underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Jammu and Kashmir by fostering greater accountability, transparency, and oversight within the school education system. By implementing rigorous administrative inspections and field visits, the School Education Department aims to address systemic challenges, improve educational standards, and ultimately contribute to the holistic development of the region's youth.