Minister of Education Naeem Akhtar has directed the officials to complete the recruitment process of vocational teachers in selected schools in Kashmir division on fast track basis so that government schools can become nurturing ground for new age entrepreneurs.The Minister was speaking after releasing the vocational training books to be taught in various schools in the state. The books on IT, Retail, Health and Tourism compiled by RMSA would be taught in designated schools in parallel with the general course.Commissioner Secretary School Education Shaleen Kabra, Secretary BOSE, Director RMSA, Directors of School Education Kashmir and Jammu were also present on the occasion.
The Minister said the aim of government is to remodel the education sector with focus on entrepreneurship and vocational training. “A student leaving our school should have much more than a degree certificate. He should have a skill that would make him independent and he could be able to earn his livelihood on his own right after leaving school or college,” said Akhtar. “We have seen that Kashmiri students are brimming with creativity. These special schools will provide them right skills, education and atmosphere to become future entrepreneurs.”Director RMSA Mr Swaghat Biswas informed the Minister that 132 schools in the state have been chosen for providing Vocational training in the first phase. Of the 132 schools, 60 are in Jammu and 72 are in Kashmir division he said.
The initiative has been undertaken under RMSA scheme sponsored by Government of India.It was revealed that for teaching the vocational subjects special vocational teachers have been recruited in Jammu but in Kashmir the recruitment process has not been undertaken due to various reasons.The Minister directed the officials to take up the filling of vacant posts of vocational teachers in Kashmir on fast track basis. He said that in the second phase 400 news schools would be undertaken for the introduction of vocational training in Government schools.