The Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today said that the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has declared Jammu and Kashmir as the 2nd most proactive state after Himachal Pradesh in adopting new initiatives in education.He said the announcement was made at the Northern Zonal Conference of Education Department being held in Srinagar.The Minister said that J&K's performance has been highly appreciated for actively implementing the new initiatives in education sector.The Minister said the Government is committed to expand the reach of quality education in every nook and corner of the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. He equally hailed the contribution of the private sector in furthering the government's agenda of making quality education available and affordable for the students.“Government schools as well as private institutions are working together for the betterment of education system in J&K,” Bukhari said adding “J&K is now competing at national and international levels in academics.”Despite the better infrastructure in private schools, the Minister said, the teachers in the government schools are better qualified and experienced. He said the government has also started the process of upgrading the infrastructure in schools.On the occasion, the Minister said the schools are not established to make money but this is the most valuable investment for the better future of children of J&K.
Bukhari was speaking at the Sports Day function at Hat Trick Public School where he was the Chief Guest. Director School Education, Dr G.N Itoo, Chief Education Officer, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Dar, Justice (Retd) Muzaffar Jan, Chairman Private Schools Association, G N Var, Chairman Hat Trick Public School, Showkat Hussain Chowdhary, Principal Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Sister Phyllis, besides students and their parents were also present during the function.On the occasion the Minister raised the question about the need for students to attend coaching centers when they are paying high amount of fees in private schools.“I am time and again asking the private schools to look in the matter as why their students need to attend coaching schools. Doesn’t private schools have good faculty? Where does the problem lie?” Bukhari asked.Bukhari asked Chairman Private Schools Association to look into this issue and rectify it within six months. “If no steps are taken in set time period, the government will take step to arrest this menace,” he said.Commenting on the delay in the declaration of results, Bukhari said the education department will ensure that the results are declared within one month of conduct of examinations so that the students get more time to study for the next class.On the occasion, Bukhari inaugurated Unified Martial Art Academy and Mini Golf Course inside school premises. The Minister also kick-started Archery Coaching Camp.He also distributed certificates among the students for their achievements. The Minister also presented the best teacher of the year award to Ms Subina Nisa and Ms Deeba Bashir.