Director School Education Kashmir G N Itoo on Tuesday said that he will ensure government schools are on par with private institutions.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Itoo said that his main focus is on ensuring quality education in government schools. “Our priority is to improve school infrastructure, enhance teacher skills through training, and revise the curriculum to modern standards,” he said.
Itoo said that government schools must match private institutions and set new standards in education.
He said that improving education in remote areas is a top priority. “Many children in underprivileged areas lack proper schools and resources. We are working on building classrooms, providing digital learning tools, and ensuring teacher availability. Scholarships, uniforms, and free textbooks are being provided to reduce financial burdens on families,” he added.
Itoo said that department is addressing shortcomings in government schools to restore parents’ confidence. “We are improving infrastructure, teacher availability, and extracurricular activities. Last year, many teachers enrolled their own children in government schools, which boosted trust,” he said.
He also said that the issue of high fees and book costs in private schools is being taken seriously.
“We have acted within 24 hours to resolve complaints against schools burdening parents. Any school violating norms will face penalties.”
Itoo said that private schools must focus on nurturing students and providing quality education. “Education is not about profit. All stakeholders—teachers, parents, and administrators—must work together to ensure the overall development of students. Violations of norms will not be tolerated, but we welcome dialogue to solve issues constructively,” he added.
He said that accountability is essential for improving education quality. “We are monitoring the performance of teachers and school management. Teachers must be punctual and dedicated, while administrators must ensure safe, conducive learning spaces. Parents also have a responsibility to support children’s education.”
He also said that New Education Policy is a revolutionary step to transform learning in Kashmir. “The NEP focuses on skill development, creativity, and career-building. Our goal is to implement this policy in both private and government schools, equipping students with modern knowledge and life skills to meet global challenges,” he said.
Itoo said that infrastructure remains a major challenge, especially in flood-prone areas. “We are building resilient school structures to withstand natural calamities. Science labs, libraries, and classrooms are being completed to provide a better learning environment,” he added.(KNS)
