JAMMU: The Education Minister of Jammu and Kashmir must address critical concerns raised by students, teachers, and society. Transparency and accountability in decision-making is essential, particularly regarding key issues such as the roadmap for the transfer policy of teachers, fulfillment of promises of regularization, and policies for daily wager teachers in schools. Clarity on how the government plans to establish permanent policies for these teachers is imperative to ensure their stability and morale.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP spokesperson, Rajni Sethi, said this while addressing media persons along with Secretary Anju Dogra and spokesperson Balbir Ram Rattan at party headquarter, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.
Rajni Sethi said that according to their manifesto, the promise of free education up to the 12th grade, along with the installation of CCTV surveillance in all private and government schools, remains unfulfilled. The minister needs to outline a clear timeline and strategy for achieving these goals. Moreover, rural schools require immediate attention to bridge the gap in quality education between urban and rural areas. Ensuring parity in the quality of education in government and private schools is crucial for equity and development.
We commend the Central Government for introducing the new holiday calendar, including the cancellation of the 13th July holiday. However, the education minister must ensure that schools are adequately informed about this decision and its significance. This reflects the need for a cohesive approach to reforms across the region.
Further, there is an urgent need to promote regional identities and culture through education. Dogri as a compulsory subject in Jammu schools and Sufism in Kashmir schools would preserve the unique heritage of both regions. These steps would foster unity and cultural understanding among students.
She further said that the change in the academic session for the winter zone also raises questions about its alignment with the welfare of students and adherence to the decisions of the Lieutenant Governor. The minister must clarify whether this change serves educational needs or other agendas.
A subject on disadvantages of Article 370 should also be included in school books in Jammu and Kashmir so that the students too come to know about the discrimination meted to various sections under the garb of this special provision, she said.
The National Conference (NC) government must introspect whether their policies are guiding the next generation toward a bright future or jeopardizing the progress of Jammu and Kashmir. Accountability to the public and transparency in fulfilling promises is the need of the hour.
