KL Report
JAMMU
Minister for School Education, Naeem Akhter informed the House that Government would initiate all possible steps to consolidate the educational infrastructure in the State. He said focus will also be given to rationalize the teacher-pupil ratio in schools and colleges in the State.
Replying to the main question by Ajay Nanda, the Minister said that 23 new Degree Colleges have been opened during last five years in the State. He said that no new high and higher secondary school has been opened for last five years under RMSA and State Plan in the State.
The Education Minister informed that 35 new primary schools have been approved by MHRD for Jammu division including three schools for Reasi district during current financial year. He said 224 middle and 153 high schools were upgraded to the next level in Jammu division including one middle and one high school in Reasi constituency under State Plan adding that 64 schools from middle to high schools have been also upgraded under RMSA in the division which includes 6 schools in Reasi district.
The Minister said that at present 95 Government Degree Colleges are functional in the State, out of which 22 Degree Colleges were sanctioned during the year-2011. He said Government intends to equip these existing Degree Colleges with all infrastructure facilities to make them fully functional. He said Government Degree College, Reasi is functional in the vicinity of Katra, Pouni and Mongri. He said there are 606 students enrolled in the College including 367 female students and BA BSc and B Com streams are being taught.
The Minister informed that the Government has constituted a Committee to look into the feasibility / other parameters and to device a mechanism for establishment of new Degree Colleges in un-covered areas of the State. He said the Committee has submitted the feasibility report; however, appropriate decision with regard to opening of new colleges would be taken in consultation with the Finance and Planning Departments.
Legislator Usman Majid in his supplementary question demanded opening of Women’s Degree College at Bandipora whileas, Vikar Rasool demanded filling up of vacant posts of teachers in educational institutions of Banihal constituency.
