KL Report
SRINAGAR
J&K government revealed on Tuesday that the mid day meal scheme cost Rs 112.60 crore during 2012-13. By the end of December 2013, the expenditure on the scheme for the current fiscal was Rs 58.70 crore.
Feroz Ahmad Khan, state’s junior education minister said the department covered 22733 educational institutions in 2012-13 benefitting1107737 students. Interestingly, during the current fiscal when the educational institutions increased to 22965, the number of beneficiary students reduced to 1101502, only.
Khan also revealed that 526 Middle Schools were upgraded to the level of High Schools from the scheme’s inception and 306 existing HS/HSS were covered for additional accommodation under strengthening component of RMSA. Against a target of 7008, Khan said 6834 primary schools were upgraded under SSA. He said 10712 Primary Schools against a target of 10809 were opened under SSA
The Minister further said under teacher education, the teacher Education Appraisal Board (TEAB) approved an amount of Rs 2501.16 lakhs (Rs 1875.88 lakhs as Central Share and 625.28 lakhs as State Share) during 2013-14. Of the said amount, centre released an amount of Rs 937.94 lakhs as first instalment as Central Assistance which has been submitted to the Finance Department for credit confirmation.
Right now, 8028 posts of teachers are available under direct recruitment quota and positions have been referred to J&K SSRB for selection of suitable candidates. There are 2910 posts of Lecturers presently vacant that includes both promotion and direct quota, 621 posts of Lectures under direct quota have been referred to PSC for selection of suitable candidates.
Higher Education Minister Akbar Lone assured the state legislature that he will further improve education system. He said academic arrangements have been made to ensure availability of teachers as vacant posts were referred to the recruiting agencies. Around 1800 posts are being advertised this.
Lone said 10+2 teachers posted in Ladakh region who have completed their term, would be transferred back home. He shared with house his vision of imparting moral education.
