Focus on Strengthening Basic School Infrastructure in Jammu
JAMMU: Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, today reviewed the functioning of the School Education Department in the district during a meeting held at the District Office.
Chief Education Officer Jammu, Ajeet Sharma, presented a detailed overview of the district’s school education scenario through a comprehensive presentation.
Highlighting the importance of quality infrastructure, the Deputy Commissioner stressed that proper physical facilities are essential for delivering quality education. He directed immediate action on the construction of adequate classrooms to accommodate rising enrollment, provision of separate toilets for boys and girls in all schools, development of playgrounds for holistic child development, and repair and strengthening of existing school buildings to ensure safe learning environments.
Dr. Minhas instructed all Zonal Education Officers to conduct a thorough assessment of infrastructure needs in their respective zones and submit detailed reports within two weeks.
Discussions on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 focused on the theme “School: Building Block,” with sub-themes including Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Teachers’ Continuous Professional Development, and infrastructure. Stakeholders were provided with a structured format to submit suggestions on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy and Continuous Professional Development within two days.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the upcoming 5th Chief Secretary Conference scheduled for October 2025. Chief Education Officer Ajeet Sharma briefed participants on the progress of developmental works, the current status of schools, and the conference agenda, which emphasizes effective implementation of NEP 2020.
Principals, teachers, and education experts actively participated in the discussions, sharing their views and concerns. Both the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Education Officer assured that all suggestions would be considered while finalizing district-level recommendations for the Chief Secretary Conference.
The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Anmol Rathore; Joint Director SCERT Jammu Sindhu Kapoor; Chief Planning Officer Ajay Pal Singh; DEPO Jammu BD Sharma; principals of higher secondary schools; Zonal Education Officers from all educational zones of Jammu district; representatives of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas; private school representatives; education experts; and parents.
