The University of Kashmir today announced to formally adopt four government schools in Hazratbal area and develop them as Model Schools, a pioneering concept flagged by the Education Minister, Naeem Akhtar.This was announced by Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Khurshid Andrabi during the visit of the Education Minister to the area today.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Akhtar said various new concepts have been introduced over the past few months to give new directions to the education system in the State. He said the concept of Model Schools and Smart Classes is a part of the same initiative.He said the Central University Kashmir has also been asked to adopt at least four schools in Ganderbal and Budgam districts and develop them as Model Educational Institutions. He said similarly National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar and other such institutions have also agreed to adopt cluster of schools in their respective catchment areas.
The Minister said in Jammu also University of Jammu, Central University Jammu and other institutions have also agreed to adopt schools in their catchment areas for overall development.
Enumerating on the concept of Model Schools, Akhtar said under the initiative some existing schools are proposed to be converted into Model Schools. The Higher Secondary School that is chosen to be the Model School will be the focal point for monitoring quality of education in a cluster of schools of the level of High Schools, Middle Schools and Primary Schools that are feeding schools providing elementary education to the children, he said and added that the Principal of the Model School shall have supervisory powers over all the schools in the cluster.He said requisite funds in addition to the plan money, shall be generated thorough various means like utilizing appropriate components under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs), getting support from private sector by way of CSR initiatives and requesting the legislators representing the area to adopt at least one model school (alongwith its cluster) and support the same from their CDF.The Minister said that the scheme envisages provision of adequate physical infrastructure by undertaking requisite addition/upgradation to the Model School, enrichment of the school environment by engaging children in co-curricular activities, strengthening the academics by undertaking measures related to human resources, teaching facilities and techniques, access to quality content, special arrangements for areas of concern and focus on teacher training and introducing innovations.He said the Model School shall have a flag, school anthem and other such symbols that would distinguish it from others and instill a sense of belonging amongst the students and staff.He said by adopting the Model School system we will be able to produce students at par with reputed public schools. He said we have to build a new building out of debris adding that there is no dearth of efficient and qualified teaching staff in the government schools.
The Minister said that it was not only heartening but encouraging to note how people across the board have started acknowledging the transformation taking place in the State’s educational sector.Seeking a holistic review of the outdated curriculum, the Minister urged Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University to hold a conference after Eid in which proper representation should be given to all stakeholders including students regarding requirement of change in curriculum in bio-sciences and other subjects.Mr. Naeem also visited Orange International Play School, Ellahi Bagh where pre-schooling of 200 kids is being made by a private entrepreneur. The Minster went around the different rooms of the school and interacted with the kids. The Minister was informed that the parents of these kids can see their wards online. The Minister was informed that the school has US based curriculum.Earlier, the Minister visited Rathpora, Eidgah to see how a local youth who is the pass-out of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts is blending his artistic works into Kashmiri carpets to create attractive designs.Impressed by the work of the youth, the Minister asked Director Tourism to organize an exhibition of his work for locals and tourists.The Minister was accompanied by Director School Education Kashmir and other senior officers of the Education Department.