Billawar, Kathua- In a significant step towards addressing pressing concerns in the region’s education sector, a crucial meeting was held today at Government Higher Secondary School Billawar. Attended by Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma, the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Kathua,Deputy CEO Mr. Chaman Lal, Cluster Heads, Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), and Headmasters from five zones (Billawar, Malhar, Basohli, Bhadu, and Mahanpur) and team from the CEO office, the meeting aimed to find comprehensive solutions to the challenges faced by schools in the district.
The meeting started with welcoming of the stakeholder and address by Deputy CEO, Mr. Chaman Lal. The CEO also graced the gathering with his experiences and recollection of his time in the area. He empasized that since he is a local himself, he is well aware of the various issues and problems at grass-root level. He discussed the issues, agendas, action plans at length and also heard the concerns and inputs of the participants.
One of the major concerns discussed at the meeting was the acute staff shortage in schools. The CEO acknowledged the challenges faced by schools due to the shortage of teachers and urged Cluster Heads to explore strategies to overcome them. The meeting attendees deliberated on potential solutions, including recruiting additional teachers and utilizing the services of retired teachers and subject experts on a contractual basis.
Boosting the quality of education in schools was another key focus of the meeting. The CEO emphasized the need to adopt innovative techniques aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP). Cluster Heads shared their ideas and experiences in implementing NEP in their zones. The attendees explored ways to enhance teaching-learning methodologies, promote student engagement, and create a conducive learning environment.
The meeting highlighted the importance of optimal utilization of school grants, including composite and Samagra grants. The CEO stressed the need for proper planning and meticulous expenditure to maximize resources and achieve better education outcomes. The Cluster Heads were instructed to prepare detailed proposals for grant utilization to ensure effective and efficient use of funds.
In addition to the main agenda items, the meeting also delved into other challenges faced by schools in the district. These included infrastructure deficiencies, lack of transportation facilities for students in remote areas, and the need for additional support for underprivileged students. The attendees discussed potential solutions and strategies to address these concerns.
The CEO directed Cluster Heads to prepare a detailed action plan based on the discussions held at the meeting. The plan should include specific strategies and timelines for addressing the identified issues. The Cluster Heads were also asked to monitor the implementation of the action plan and provide regular updates to the CEO.
The meeting held today marked a significant step towards improving the education landscape in Kathua district. The CEO’s leadership and the proactive engagement of Cluster Heads and other stakeholders augur well for the future of education in the region. With a clear understanding of the challenges and a shared commitment to finding solutions, the participants vowed to work collectively to enhance the quality of education and provide a better learning environment for all students.
