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22% jump in enrolment in J&K education sector: Sakeena Itoo
Says low enrolment forced 2,500 school mergers before govt formation; bats for market-driven subjects
Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday said student enrolment across schools and higher education institutions has increased by over 22 per cent in the past one and a half years, attributing the rise to improved infrastructure, accountability and policy focus.
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Speaking in Tangmarg, the minister, as reported by the news agency said the education sector earlier faced low enrolment, which led to the clubbing of more than 2,500 institutions. “People believed institutions were being shut down due to poor enrolment. That was the situation earlier,” she said.
Itoo said the government prioritised upgrades in infrastructure, faculty strength and playfields to improve the learning environment and keep youth engaged. “We worked to ensure students stay connected with education and remain away from the drug menace,” she said.
The minister added, “There has been over 22 per cent increase in enrolments in the last one and a half years of the government in both school and higher education sectors, a clear shift from earlier trends when low admissions had even led to the clubbing of more than 2,500 institutions.”
Itoo said the administration is also revising academic offerings. “We are trying to introduce subjects that match student needs and market demand,” she added.
The minister said around 15,000 works are currently being executed under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, adding that the past issues of mismanagement have been addressed through stricter accountability and monitoring mechanisms.
Referring to healthcare, she said the sector has also seen significant improvements. “Many health institutions lacked basic facilities earlier. There were places without gates and even stray dogs inside the hospital premises,” she said.
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Itoo said the government has since focused on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, including the installation of advanced equipment such as MRI machines, cath labs, and CT scans, along with improving doctor availability.
“Our aim is to ensure people feel the difference and trust that this government stands with them,” the minister said, adding, “We do not make false promises. We deliver on what we commit.”