Srinagar, Aug 21 (KNO): Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Friday said the recruitment rules for non-gazetted employees of Jammu and Kashmir’s five new Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) would be framed by the end of September.
Talking to reporters here, Itoo, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the issue concerning the recruitment and service rules of non-gazetted employees working in the newly established medical colleges has been pending for the past 10 years. She acknowledged that the rules should have been framed by now.
“By September-end, the recruitment rules for non-gazetted employees of the new GMCs will be framed,” she said, adding that the concerns raised by the employees were genuine and deserved to be addressed.
Pertinently, non-gazetted employees of the five new GMCs at Anantnag, Baramulla, Doda, Kathua and Rajouri are on strike for the past five days over the pending recruitment rules.
The employees have been demanding early finalisation of the rules, saying the absence of a clear recruitment and service framework has created uncertainty regarding their service matters and career progression.
IN 2-YEARS, J&K WITNESSES 17 % INCREASE IN SCHOOL ENROLMENT
On the education sector, Itoo, who also hold the portfolio of School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a 17 % increase in school enrolment over the past two years, describing the rise as a significant achievement of the government.
“Our dream is that no child in Jammu and Kashmir remains without education and that education reaches every household,” the Minister said.
She attributed the increase to various measures undertaken by the CM Omar Abdullah-led government to strengthen the education system and improve access to educational institutions.
Itoo said the government had taken several landmark decisions in the education sector during the last two years, with the focus being on improving infrastructure, strengthening teaching standards and creating better learning opportunities for students.
While describing the overall increase in enrolment as encouraging, she noted that the rise was comparatively lower at the college level. She said one of the reasons was that students, after completing Class 12, were increasingly exploring different fields and career options beyond conventional higher education.
The Minister also stressed the need to equip teachers with modern teaching techniques and contemporary educational practices so that the benefits ultimately reach students.
She said the Education Department was working towards strengthening teacher capacity and familiarising educators with the latest teaching methodologies, adding that teachers play a central role in shaping the academic and professional future of students.
According to Itoo, Jammu and Kashmir has no shortage of talent among its students and young people. What is required, she said, is proper guidance, mentoring, opportunities and a supportive educational environment to help them realise their potential.
“Our students are talented and capable, but what they need is proper guidance, nourishment and quality education,” she said, emphasising that the department is working to provide students with the necessary support and opportunities.
“The government has also been focusing on digital learning, skill education, teacher training and infrastructure development. In a recent review of the Education Department,” she added.
Officials informed the Minister that more than 24,000 schools were operational across Jammu and Kashmir, with around 26.5 lakh students enrolled. The department has also expanded skill education, digital laboratories and smart classrooms across schools.
Itoo said the broader objective of the government was not merely to increase enrolment figures but to ensure that students receive quality education and develop the skills required to compete in an increasingly changing world.
She maintained that the Education Department would continue to work on improving the overall learning environment, strengthening teachers and providing students with better academic and career opportunities—(KNO)