Srinagar, Aug 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reviewed a phased roadmap to strengthen senior secondary education and improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the higher secondary level across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairing a review meeting of the School Education Department at the Civil Secretariat, Omar discussed the phased plan to upgrade 714 High Schools into K-12 composite schools.
The meeting focused on improving the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the higher secondary level and reviewed the phased plan to upgrade 714 High Schools into K-12 composite schools, including requirements for teaching and non-teaching staff, infrastructure, laboratories and other essential facilities.
The proposed upgradation aims to ensure continuity in school education and expand access to Classes XI and XII, particularly in underserved and geographically remote areas. The move is also expected to help reduce student dropouts after Class 10.
The meeting also discussed better utilisation of existing human resources, strengthening academic facilities and improving the overall school network across J&K.
The roadmap envisages a planned and need-based expansion of senior secondary education, with the government also coordinating with the Government of India for necessary support under centrally sponsored schemes.
Omar stressed the need for a focused and requirement-based strategy to expand senior secondary education, with particular attention to accessibility and ensuring better educational opportunities for students across J&K.
The meeting was attended by Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and senior officers from the School Education, Finance, Planning and Public Works departments.
The proposed upgrade of 714 High Schools into K-12 composite schools is aimed at strengthening the senior secondary education network and improving access to higher secondary education for students across the Union Territory.
