Srinagar, Apr 04 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Government has stated that while a proposal for the upgradation of High School Jawahirpora Lam to the Higher Secondary level has been initiated, no immediate decision has been taken, citing existing policy priorities and financial considerations.
Replying to a question posed by MLA Rafiq Ahmad Naik, Education Department Minister Sakina Itoo as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) informed the House that a feasibility report in this regard has already been submitted by the Chief Education Officer to the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir.
The Minister said that the nearest Higher Secondary School to Jawahirpora Lam is the Higher Secondary School Satoora, located at an approximate distance of six kilometers. However, she noted that several students, including those from tribal communities, reside an additional three to four kilometers away from Jawahirpora Lam, significantly increasing their daily travel distance and posing challenges, particularly for students from remote areas.
Itoo said that the area has a population belonging to tribal communities, which makes access to nearby educational institutions even more difficult. Despite this, she clarified that the upgradation of schools is subject to the fulfillment of established norms, including distance criteria, availability of feeder schools, and sufficient enrolment at the higher level.
“At present, there is no proposal under active consideration for the upgradation of schools to the next higher level,” the Minister said, adding that the department is currently focusing on consolidating infrastructure and ensuring adequate teaching staff in already upgraded institutions.
She explained that the process of upgrading a school involves substantial financial commitments, including the creation of infrastructure and recruitment of both teaching and non-teaching staff, which requires concurrence from the Finance Department.
However, the Minister assured that whenever fresh proposals for upgradation are taken up, schools like Jawahirpora Lam and Midoora would be considered based on feasibility and merit—(KNO)