The education sector is the topmost priority of the state, and widespread measures are in progress to improve the quality of education, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh today said.
Mr Singh was present at the Girl School Dharmkote in Billawar tehsil of Kathua district, for inaugurating additional classrooms and other infrastructure.
He said that the PDP-BJP government is working towards improving education facilities in schools present in far-flung areas of the state. The intention is to decentralize quality education and let students receive quality education in places other than the district headquarters.
He also mentioned that programmes for starting evening classes are also being worked out to increase the intake of existing educational institutions, so that more students can gain exposure towards worthy education.
Referring to work being done in Kathua district, he mentioned the augmentation of sports infrastructure at all schools, and also building of an indoor stadium at Billawar.
The Chief Education Officer of Kathua, informed Mr Singh that the district has been divided into 37 clusters to evaluate existing academic standards, punctuality and teaching practices, and that regular supervision shall be done to guage progress.
He reviewed the agricultural system of the state as well, carrying out an extensive assessment of the procurement system. He commented on improving it further to reduce the grievance redressal time for farmers.
He emphasized on the state economy's significant dependency on agriculture, and the need to encourage people associated with it to keep performing.
Dr Singh also interacted with the people, and referred to the Kissan Mela in the state, which shall soon be organized to create awareness among farmers pertaining to all welfare schemes launched by the government.
The PDD department has also been instructed to take care of electricity related problems, if any.
Also, Billawar and adjoining areas have already been introduced on the tourism map, to help increase tourist footprint and eventually increase socio-economic conditions of the district.