SRINAGAR: Director of School Education Kashmir, G N Itoo, announced on Saturday that 60 per cent of textbooks have already been distributed to schools, with efforts underway to ensure full availability before the reopening of institutions.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Itoo emphasised the progress made in textbook distribution and credited school heads for their role in preserving and distributing books. He assured that the education department is committed to addressing gaps highlighted in the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024, which pointed out deficiencies in learning outcomes and infrastructure in government schools.
“The survey that has just been released is under examination. A special team has been formed, and a meeting has already taken place at the administrative level. Directions have been issued to prepare a roadmap and suggest measures to address infrastructural shortcomings,” Itoo said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education, noting that a comprehensive plan would soon be submitted. While acknowledging the challenges, he pointed out that ASER 2024 had also highlighted certain positives, with Kashmir performing well in some areas compared to the national level.
To improve learning outcomes, the education department is collaborating with Kashmir University, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), the Board of School Education, and NGOs with expertise in the field. Special teams have been tasked with formulating a strategic roadmap to address key concerns.
Additionally, the winter tutorial programme, aimed at providing academic support and personal development opportunities, has expanded to several centres across the region, benefiting thousands of students. These centres focus on supplementary tuition, moral education, creativity, and digital literacy.
On the issue of teacher distribution, Itoo explained that efforts have been made to rationalise postings to ensure better resource utilisation. Surplus staff is being deployed to schools with higher student populations to maintain balance and improve the quality of education. (With KNO inputs)
