SRINAGAR: In order to review the functioning of education sector and progress of develop- mental works taken up under SAMAGRA SHIKSHA in the district, a meeting of concerned Officers was held under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad today at Conference Hall of DC Office Complex, here. t the outset, the DC took a de- tailed review of all the educa- tional indicators including Gross Enrolment Ratio, Net Enrolment Ratio, Transition Rate, Drop Out Rate, Retention Rate at Primary stage, Upper Primary and Sec- ondary level and other related activities being carried out in Government Schools of the dis- trict. The DC also took stock of physi- cal and financial status of works taken up in current fiscal under SAMAGRA SHIKSHA for infra- structure upgradation of Schools in Srinagar. The DC was apprised that as many as 42575 students are en- rolled at Pre Primary, Primary, Middle, Secondary and Higher Secondary levels in all 554 Gov- ernment Schools of the district. He was also informed that Gross Enrolment Ratio at Primary Stage is 99.47 % and 99.40 % at Upper Primary Stage while at Secondary stage it is 95.02 %. It was further given out that about 840 children with special needs(CWSN) are enrolled in Government schools of the Dis- trict who are being assessed on periodical basis and required as- sistive aids are being provided to them. On the occasion, the DC stressed the Officers to work with extra zeal and dedication and in synergy to ensure effec- tive and efficient implementa- tion of all schemes for overall betterment of education setup in the district. He also stressed on quality education with an eq- uitable and inclusive education for all. He asked them to make concerted and intensified efforts to target vulnerable populations, children with special abilities. The DC also asked for hold- ing a visual assessment camp in schools at the earliest so that stu- dents having eye problems are treated well in advance. He emphasised on effective and active involvement of School Management Committees for ef- ficient functioning of all Govern- ment Schools in Srinagar. With regard to ICT and Digital initiative, the DC asked the Of- ficers to adopt digital platforms in an effective manner so that students are provided a sooth- ing environment to learn things in a very easy and user friendly approach and they understand subjects exclusively. He stressed on integrating GAASH initiative with Smart Classes for making education more effective while being enjoy- able through gamification of con- ceptual content. The DC also asked the CEO, Sri- nagar to work out the modality for setting up of Composite ICT Labo- ratory for specially abled students in some schools of the district. He also urged them to give focused attention towards Vocational Edu- cation and Self Defence. The DC was informed that un- der ICT and Digital initiative 156 ICT and CAL Centers are pres- ently functional in Srinagar with a vision to cover all the schools under the scheme. While 36 more CAL/ICT/Smart Classes shall be added this year at an estimated cost of Rs 94.8 lakh. While reviewing the status of civil works taken up under SA- MAGRA, the DC was informed that Rs 8.28 crore have been ap- proved on different components for execution of 16 projects for infrastructure upgradation of Government Schools in Sri- nagar District including BHSS Soura, S.P. HSS, BHSS Sangam, BHSS Zadibal, GHS Hazratbal, High School Balhama, Boys High School Malbagh, Boys High School Bakshipora, High School Harwan, HS Rangteng, MS Pan- zinara. The DC emphasized on early completion of all the approved projects. He stressed on regular monitoring of works and asked the officers to follow deadlines and complete the work within a given timeframe. He enjoined upon concerned officers and agencies to work with dedication so that all developmental targets are achieved. The DC also directed for speed- ing up the other activities being undertaken under the Samagra Shiksha so that quality school infrastructure is ensured to stu- dents besides supplementing various initiatives being taken up in the education sector. He said that officers should work in tandem to ensure early comple- tion of these projects within the stipulated timelines. Regarding the projects which have got stuck due to some hin- drances, the DC passed on the spot directions for early resolu- tion and resumption of these works. He also directed for tak- ing action against the people in- volved in such acts. Among others the meeting was attended by the Chief Plan- ning Officer, Chief Education Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, Deputy CEO, Execu- tive Engineers of R&B and SA- MAGRA and other Officials.

KR Desk