SRINAGAR: Education holds the key to the overall progress and development of Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo said on Monday, while underlining the need for government and private institutions to work together to strengthen the education sector.
Itoo was speaking at the Foundation Day celebrations of Maple Grove Education Institute at Rawalpora, Srinagar.
The minister said both government and private educational institutions were making sustained efforts to provide quality education to students, with several private institutions making a significant contribution to the sector.
“There are some private institutions whose contribution is so remarkable,” she said, appreciating institutions that have consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence.
Itoo said several government schools, including middle, high and higher secondary schools, were performing exceptionally well, but there remained scope for further improvement. She stressed the need for continued cooperation between the government and private sectors to strengthen the educational ecosystem and provide better opportunities to children.
She also emphasised that education should focus on the holistic development of children by nurturing academic abilities alongside values, character and a sense of responsibility.
Calling for greater equality and inclusiveness in education, Itoo said every child should be treated equally irrespective of social or economic background.
“For us, children are one. We should never discriminate. Every child deserves equal opportunity to learn, grow and realise their potential,” she said.
Referring to her interaction with students during the programme, the minister said she was encouraged by their aspirations for the future. While some students wanted to become doctors, others expressed a desire to enter public life and become ministers.
Itoo said such aspirations reflected the confidence of the younger generation and their willingness to contribute to society and public life.
She called upon educational institutions to create an environment that encourages children to think freely, dream ambitiously and develop a strong sense of social responsibility.
“The children of today will shape the social, economic and democratic future of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said, stressing that academic excellence, ethical values, inclusiveness and leadership qualities must develop together.
Director School Education Kashmir, senior officers of the School Education Department, management and teachers of Maple Grove Education Institute, besides a large number of students and their families, attended the event.
