Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today said establishment of counseling cells in educational institutions is imperative for students' guidance and the government is keen to establish such centres at an earliest.He said setting up of counseling cells would lead to massive participation of students in education reforms. Through this setup, the students can provide their suggestions and opinions in framing curriculum which will lead to more value-based education, he added.The Minister made these remarks while interacting with students at Kothi Bagh Higher Secondary School during a face to face interactive programme ‘Ru-ba-Ru’ which was organized by Directorate of School Education, Kashmir.Altaf Bukhari said that career counseling camps will also be organized which would help in creating an atmosphere of understanding between the students and the school/college administration and ultimately lead to the betterment of the education system.Secretary School Education, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Director School Education (Kashmir), Dr G N Itoo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Syed Abid Rasheed, CEO Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Dar, Besides Principals, Zonal officers and other concerned officials of Education Department were present on the occasion.
During the interaction, the Minister answered scores of questions from students of various schools of district Srinagar who attended the programme.The students put forward their questions and issues like shortage of teachers, need to introduce more subjects, improvement in infrastructure, establishment of counselling cells among other issues.Bukhari listened to the students patiently and assured them that the Government is trying its level best to address these issues. He appealed the students to utilize their precious time in studies to reach the greatest levels in their lives.On the demand of the students, Bukhari announced reservation of 10% quota for Urdu teachers from the 2400 posts of teachers which will be recruited through Service Selection Board.Speaking on the occasion, Secretary School Education, Farooq Ahmad Shah said that quality education is the foundation of a strong nation and the school education is the basis for education system.Later, the Minister distributed 40 All Terrain Bikes (ATB’s) to the meritorious male-students of 10th, 11th and 12th standards from district Srinagar at the Kothi Bagh Higher Secondary School. The Minister also interacted with the staff of the school and discussed various issues regarding upgradation of school infrastructure and other related issues.