As part of Government of India's special outreach programme to the UT of J&K, Union Minister of State for Education, Dr. Subhas Sarkar visited Baramulla district where he carried out several developmental activities having larger public significance.The Minister visited Government Higher Secondary School Pattan where he e- Inaugurates Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya that has been established at Mundji Dangerpora, Sopore under Samagra Shiksha. The project has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 113.12 lacs having the accommodation facility for 50 girl students.The Minister unveils a booklet titled "Toddler Development Course Assignments" that has been designed and developed by Digital Resource Group, Chief Education Office Baramulla in light with preschool curriculum of NCERT.Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister expressed delight over his interaction with the students and said that the Union government is very keen to fulfill the educational aspirations of J&K. He added that Kashmir had always remained the cradle of education and knowledge, besides terming the youth as much talented and productive. He also enlisted various initiatives taken on the part of union government to upgrade the basic standard of education adding that more emphasis is being laid on digital education as this sector has immense potential where the students can excel and thrive.Quoting the National Education Policy (NEP)- 2020, the Minister said that the policy can by and large fulfill the educational aspirations as it gives due consideration to activity based learning outcomes besides having multi-disciplinary and flexible choice of subjects for the students.
Dr Sarkar also felicitated the students who presented colorful cultural programme at the event. The meritorious students, who excelled in several academic examinations, were also felicitated by the union minister.Later, the Minister distributed some assistive aids and appliances among the specially abled persons at Baramulla. The aid comprising of wheel chairs, hearing aids etc. were procured by Social Welfare department Baramulla.The minister also chaired a meeting with DDC members, BDC Chairpersons, MC presidents and PRIs among other stakeholders, and listened to their developmental aspirations and concerns. On the occasion, the concerned stakeholders appraised their grievances and put forth their demands meant for the overall development of the society.DDC Chairperson Baramulla Safeena Beigh extended gratitude of the central government for conducting the outreach programme so as to hear the common masses. She urged upon the higher authorities to redress the core and basic grievances of the people so as to satiate the aspirations of common people.The minister gave a patient hearing and expressed happiness over the meeting held with the PRIs. He said that Union Government has a good dream for development of Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the present out-reach programme has been initiated by the Government to know the basic problems of the people at the ground.He assured that the demands and grievances projected by the delegations have been taken note of and the same would be put up with appropriate authorities for their timely redressal.Union Minister also lauded the PRIs for successful establishment of de-centralized System and said that government is working to strengthen the PRI mechanism with more financial autonomy. Moreover, he impressed upon them to identify their role and co-operate in taking the spectrum of development to the apex.Principal Secretary School Education Department, B K Singh, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Bhupinder Kumar, Project Director Samagra Shiksha Deep Raj, Director School Education Kashmir Tassaduq Hussain, SSP Baramulla Rayees Mohammad Bhat, President MC Pattan, CEO, district and sectorial officers among other concerned functionaries were present on the occasion.