‘I’ll Be Happy When Schools Remain Open for 220 Days’: Secretary Education on Academic Calendar
Ram Niwas Sharma says ATD transfers to continue as routine process, urges focus on increasing instructional days
Sopore: Commissioner Secretary Higher and School Education Department Ram Niwas Sharma on Monday said he would be happy to see schools remain open for 220 days, stressing that the focus should be on increasing academic days rather than holidays.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an event in Sopore, Sharma, as per news agency JKNS, said transfers under the Annual Transfer Drive (ATD) would continue as a normal administrative process and would not be allowed to disturb the academic session in schools and colleges.
“We would not like to disturb the academic session in the schools and colleges. Transfer is a normal process. It will continue. ATD has been done, so they have to analyse and go ahead. This is a routine thing,” he said.
Sharma urged the media to focus on the number of academic days in schools, saying the government was working towards increasing the duration for which schools remain open.
“There was a time when even 100-125 days schools did not open. Please do not focus on holidays. Let the Directors of School Education in Kashmir and Jammu decide when holidays are required,” he said.
“I will be happy on that day when we will have the school open for 220 days,” Sharma added.
On the education system, the Commissioner Secretary said Jammu and Kashmir was moving rapidly towards skill-oriented and vocational education to make the system more job-oriented.
He said around 1.54 lakh students in schools are currently studying different skill-based courses, while most courses offered by colleges and universities also include a skill component.
Sharma also said the government expects private universities to come up in Jammu and Kashmir once the rules under the recently passed legislation are approved by the competent authority.
“The moment we have the rules and Act in place, I expect people not only from across the country but from across international boundaries also to come and establish private universities,” he said.
Referring to the participation of more than 900 athletes in the event, Sharma said it was a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir, particularly North Kashmir, as girls were participating in sports on such a large scale.
He congratulated the athletes and expressed hope that they would excel in sports and their future careers and contribute to nation-building. (JKNS)