Srinagar, Aug 24:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired two separate review meetings of the School Education Department and the Housing and Urban Development Department at Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.

The first meeting focused on improving the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the higher secondary level. The Chief Minister reviewed the phased plan to upgrade 714 High Schools into K-12 composite schools.
The review included requirements for teaching and non-teaching staff, infrastructure, laboratories and other essential facilities.
Officials said the upgradation will ensure continuity in school education, expand access to Classes XI and XII, and help reduce dropouts at the critical transition after Class 10, particularly in underserved areas.
Later, the Chief Minister chaired a meeting of the Housing and Urban Development Department to review the management of the stray animal population across Jammu & Kashmir, with particular focus on stray dogs.
Emphasising the need for a structured solution, the Chief Minister directed the Department to submit a comprehensive population-management plan within 15 days, with a clear focus on ensuring public health and safety.