60% of books already provided to schools, full availability before schools reopen: Director School Education Kmr

Srinagar, 0: The Director School Education Kashmir, G N Itoo said on Saturday that 60% of books have already been provided to schools, with plans to reach full availability before schools reopen.

Talking to reports here in Srinagar, as per the Director emphasized the progress made in the distribution of textbooks, stating that 60% of books have already been provided to schools, with plans to reach full availability before schools reopen.

He also credited school heads for their efforts in preserving and distributing books.

G N Itoo acknowledged the government will examine the gaps flagged in Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)-2024.

He said that the government is committed to addressing these issues, with a special team formed to examine the survey and create a comprehensive roadmap for improving teaching and learning.

The survey has pointed out poor learning outcomes and infrastructural gaps in government schools.

“The survey that has just come, we are examining it. We have made a special team. Recently, there has been a meeting at the level of the administrative department regarding the issue,” G N Itoo said.

He said the concerned people have been given the direction to come up with a roadmap and suggestions to fill the infrastructural gaps.

“Our teams are working on that. I am quite sure that in the coming days, we will submit a comprehensive roadmap to the government,” Itoo said.

He however said that the government was serious about the issue.

“Some positives have also been highlighted in the ASER survey. At certain levels, we have been doing very well as compared to the national level also,” he said.

He said the education department will work with Kashmir University, SCERT and board and the other NGOs working with the department and have expertise in learning outcomes.

“In the coming days, the different teams which have been assigned the task will come up with the roadmap which will have strategic focus on these issues,” Itoo said.

The winter tutorial program, which provides academic support and personal development opportunities for students, has expanded various centers in the region, with benefits reaching thousands of students. These centers offer additional tuition and focus on subjects such as moral education, creativity, and digital literacy.

Addressing concerns about teacher distribution, the Director explained that efforts have been made to rationalize the posting of teachers in the region. He mentioned that surplus staff is being deployed to schools with higher student populations to ensure better utilization of resources.