Minister for Education Naeem Akhtar today conducted an extensive tour of Anantnag district to review the infrastructure available in various government schools there and emphasized upon students to focus on learning the English language.During the day-long tour the Minister visited Pahalgam Middle School which is being developed as a model school with the help of a businessman who has contributed in a significant manner for its infrastructural up-gradation.He also addressed a gathering of students there and urged them to develop ability of English speaking and writing and said the English language is not only the medium of instruction but a tool of empowerment as well. He urged the students there to inculcate values of cleanliness as they belong to one of the world’s beautiful spots.He directed the school authorities to start schooling from Nursery classes and start certificate courses in food craft with the collaboration of Institute of Hotel Management.The Education Minister also visited Government High School Laripora Kalan and asked the concerned officials to look for exemption from the High Court for the construction of wall around the school premises and toilet facility for students in view of ban on construction in the area. He said it is the issue of students and officials must pay special attention to it.He asked CEO Pahalgam Development Authority and Chief Education Officer too see how the existing infrastructure can be improved in all schools of the area in view of the ban on new constructions.
Akhtar also visited Akad village along the Pahalgam-Khannabal road and directed for merging of three schools— a high school, a middle school and a primary school, there which used to function side by side there with a total staff strength of 25 and student roll of 250 . He directed the DC Anantnag to take steps for construction of protection bund and improving the compound of the school which will serve as sports field for students.He also visited Seer Hamdan where large number of locals met the Minister. The Education Minister took strong note of unsatisfactory condition of schools there and asked the Chief Education Officer to prepare a profile of the village and compile the assets available with the education department for rationalization process as it was found that one High School with a staff strengthen of 12 was running just two class for 9th and 10th standards only.Later the Minister visited Devipora village in Mattan to felicitate Athar Aamir-ul-Shafi Khan who got second position in IAS exams recently. Addressing a gathering there he urged the youth to take inspiration from bright students like Athar. He said the government is taking steps to boost the entrepreneurship in the state to address the issue of unemployment.