Minister for Education, Mr Naeem Akhtar today visited various educational institutions here to take stock of the infrastructure and academic facilities.During his visit to Eliezer Joldan Memorial College here, the Minister interacted with the students and said he wants to get a sense of what the students expect from the government in education and to explore their creativity, energy, potential and aspirations. He said with the growing and fast-changing economy there is need for making academic courses relevant to the market demands so that the educated youth do not have to wait for jobs.Stating that unemployment is a major challenge staring at the educated youth today, the Minister said with the liberalization of the economy, demand of skilled manpower has increased manifold. “Courses to be taught in educational institutions need to be technical and divergent enough to cater to the changing economy,” he said and added that inner abilities and creative skills among the students are required to be encouraged through introduction of vocational courses and on the job training in schools and colleges like Boutique technology etc.
Citing examples of business models in reference to tourism in Ladakh, the Minister stressed upon the idea of starting small enterprises that could be run by the college students in catering, guide services, sea buckthorn farming, etc. The Minister added that such an endeavor will give confidence to the students in setting up their own ventures and pursue entrepreneurship as a career option.Responding to the issues related to shortage of staff at the college the Minister, said the government has constituted the Public Service Commission and the recruitment process has also been started. Akhtar, also announced new geology department with a fully equipped laboratory for the college from next session. He also asked the concerned to appoint a physical education teacher and a librarian in the college on academic basis.
Earlier, EC Higher Education, LAHDC, Leh, Mohammad Shafi Lasu also spoke on the occasion.Later, the Minister also visited a workshop on developing life skills for teachers, organized by Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Chandigarh at DIET Leh.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister stressed on observation based teaching and insisted on consolidation of manpower and other resources. He impressed on the teachers to be accountable to the students, their conscience and God. The Minister also called for blend of craft and education.The Minister also visited, Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Leh where he announced a Smart Classroom for the school and emphasised focus on functional English.