Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Sunday emphasized the need for providing exposure to the students of the State along with formal education for their overall development.He was speaking at an event marking the reintroduction of the fortnightly special train for children ‘Vadi Ki Sair’, which was introduced by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in December 2016 but was stopped during the winter vacations.Around 450 school children from all districts of Kashmir and district Ramban of Jammu boarded the special train at different stations with the Education Minister joining the ride at Nowgam station in Srinagar.Bukhari said that this type of train ride would provide children an opportunity to explore different parts of Kashmir closely and help them mingle with children of other areas and districts.
While interacting with the students, the Minster said that various other programmes for students, like funfair, sports events, debates, competitions, entertainment programs and other extra-curricular activities, will soon be started in the State.On the occasion, it was said that the students from Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban and other districts of Jammu will also be made part of this program in future.MLA Batamaloo, Sectary Education, DCs Srinagar and Budgam, Director School Education and other officials of the Education Department accompanied the Minister on the ride.Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmed Khan, also met the students at the Nowgam station.