Srinagar, July 15 (KNS): Director School Education Kashmir, Dr. G.N. Itoo, said teacher promotions and cook appointments are in the final stages across Jammu and Kashmir, assuring timely action on pending service matters and calling for new initiatives to prepare students for future challenges.

Speaking to KNS, he also said the department has initiated a three-day induction training programme for newly promoted headmasters to equip them with essential administrative, financial, and academic skills.

On the response from teachers to recent educational reforms, Dr. Itoo said that teacher participation has been encouraging. “Teachers are actively engaging in innovation and government programs at both the UT and national levels. This reflects their commitment to implementing NEP-2020 effectively,” he said.

Referring to recent board examination and competitive exam results, he said student performance has improved significantly. “This indicates the hard work of teachers and the support they are providing to students,” he said.

On the recent change in school timing due to extreme heat conditions, Dr. Itoo said the decision was based on prevailing weather conditions and student welfare. “We shifted school timing to 7:30 AM, in line with practices elsewhere in the country. The decision was generally appreciated by parents,” he said, adding that conditions have since improved, allowing a return to normal timings.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He advised students to attend school regularly and take necessary precautions during summer. “Instructions have been issued to schools on safety measures during the heatwave and the rainy season,” he said.

Addressing concerns of long-pending teacher promotions, particularly the 2007 batch, Dr. Itoo said the department is finalising formalities. “We have recently promoted teachers to masters and DTC. Promotion orders will be issued soon. The process has taken time due to the need to collect data from every school and district,” he said.

He assured that all eligible teachers will be promoted according to established norms. “There is no need for agitation. Those with legal entitlement will be given their due,” he said.

Dr. Itoo also responded to concerns from mid-day meal cooks. “There is a 50% vacancy rate in many districts. We have recently made appointments in Pulwama, and the process for Anantnag is underway,” he said, adding that pending formalities are expected to be completed within a week.

Dr. Itoo urged Chief Education Officers and Zonal Education Officers to guide their staff and mentor students to ensure delivery of quality education. “Heads of schools should lead their teams in adopting new initiatives and provide students with opportunities for moral and intellectual development,” he said.(KNS).