Jammu, Mar 27: Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level review of the School Education Department (SED), directing officials to fast-track implementation of key decisions from the 5th Chief Secretary’s Conference with strict timelines and measurable milestones.

Expressing concern over delays, Dulloo stressed that reforms must now move in mission mode. He underlined that while welfare measures like free textbooks, uniforms, and mid-day meals are important, improving teaching quality is critical for better learning outcomes, enrolment, and retention.
He called for strengthening the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) initiative by ensuring availability of curriculum-aligned digital content and promoting its regular use. Students from Class 3 onwards should be actively engaged in IT-enabled learning, including exposure to AI and emerging technologies.
The Chief Secretary also directed verification of school infrastructure, especially girls’ toilets, through district and zonal committees, with real-time updates on an online monitoring portal.
Commissioner Secretary SED Ram Niwas Sharma informed that 92.29% schools have functional girls’ toilets, with full coverage targeted by April 10, 2026. The department aims for universal basic infrastructure by 2030, alongside expansion of ICT labs, smart classrooms, and digital learning systems.
Under digital initiatives, Project Director Bhawani Rakwal highlighted the rollout of VSK Phase-II and AI-powered tools to enhance academic support and governance. The DTH-based JK e-Pathshala currently runs five channels, with plans to expand.
Academic reforms aligned with NEP-2020 include extension of the NIPUN Bharat Mission to Grade 5, expansion of vocational education to 1,350 schools, and development of a digital exam system. J&K is also targeting full literacy by March 2028, with 14 districts already achieving over 95% foundational literacy.
Reiterating accountability, Dulloo stressed that reforms must deliver visible improvements at the grassroots level to build an inclusive, future-ready education system.