Jammu, April 4: Minister for Education Sakeena Itoo on Saturday stated that the School Education department (SED) is presently focusing on strengthening the existing infrastructure and ensuring adequate availability of teaching staff in the upgraded schools across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister stated this while replying to a question raised by Legislator Rafiq Ahmad Naik in Legislative Assembly today regarding upgradation of schools.
She informed that a feasibility report has been submitted by the Chief Education Officer to the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir for up-gradation of High School Jawahirpora Lam to the level of Higher Secondary level.
She mentioned that High School Jawahirpora Lam's nearest Higher Secondary School is Higher Secondary School Satoora, about 6 km away.
The Minister said that the area has some population belonging to tribal communities but the up-gradation of schools is subject to the fulfilment of laid down criteria and feasibility norms like distance, feeding schools and top-class enrolment, which are prerequisites.
She added that at present there is no proposal under consideration for up-gradation of schools to the next higher level, as the department is prioritizing consolidation of infrastructure and provision of teaching faculty in already upgraded schools.
The Minister added that High School Jawahirpora Lam and High School Midoora will be considered for up-gradation as proposals come up.