SED focusing on strengthening existing infrastructure, staff availability in upgraded schools: Sakeena Itoo

Minister for Education Sakeena Itoo on Saturday stated that the School Education department (SED) is presently focusing on strengthening the existing infrastructure and ensuring adequate availability of teaching staff in the upgraded schools across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister stated this while replying to a question raised by Legislator Rafiq Ahmad Naik in Legislative Assembly today regarding upgradation of schools.

She informed that a feasibility report has been submitted by the Chief Education Officer to the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir for up-gradation of High School Jawahirpora Lam to the level of Higher Secondary level.

She mentioned that High School Jawahirpora Lam’s nearest Higher Secondary School is Higher Secondary School Satoora, about 6 km away.

The Minister said that the area has some population belonging to tribal communities but the up-gradation of schools is subject to the fulfilment of laid down criteria and feasibility norms like distance, feeding schools and top-class enrolment, which are prerequisites.

She added that at present there is no proposal under consideration for up-gradation of schools to the next higher level, as the department is prioritizing consolidation of infrastructure and provision of teaching faculty in already upgraded schools.

The Minister added that High School Jawahirpora Lam and High School Midoora will be considered for up-gradation as proposals come up.

Pumping machinery installed at six tube-wells in Hiranagar: Javed Rana

Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana today informed the House that pumping machinery has been installed at all six tube-well locations in Hiranagar Constituency.

This was stated by the Minister while replying to a question in Legislative Assembly raised by MLA Rajeev Jasrotia on behalf of MLA Vijay Kumar.

It further stated that in villages like Kadyala, Chak Changa, Karol- Matharian, Splawan and Bobiya, the irrigation infrastructure including channels, pump rooms and delivery tanks, have been completed and is currently operational.

However, he acknowledged that in certain locations like Kadyala and Chak Changa, the works related to distribution networks and allied civil infrastructure could not be executed due to land disputes and other constraints.

The Minister assured the House that the pending works shall be taken up once the land-related issues are resolved and subject to availability of funds. It will be ensured that the intended benefits of the irrigation scheme are fully extended to the farmers of the area.