Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Monday addressed the One Day Convention of Teachers in Udhampur, highlighting the pivotal role of educators in shaping a progressive society.

The event was attended by Director School Education Jammu, Naseem Javaid Choudhary; ACR Udhampur; Joint Director School Education Udhampur/Reasi; DSWO Udhampur; CMO Udhampur; CEO Udhampur; other senior officers, and a large number of teachers.
Speaking to the gathering, Minister Itoo lauded teachers as architects of society, emphasizing their role in nurturing responsible citizens and strengthening the moral and intellectual fabric of the region. She urged teachers to adopt innovative methods, value-based education, and continuous professional development to meet evolving educational challenges.
Recalling the introduction of the Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) scheme under former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, she said it enabled students in remote areas to access education locally. She also stressed improving teacher–student relationships through mutual respect and understanding.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to upgrading infrastructure, enhancing teaching standards, and promoting holistic learning across J&K schools.
Director School Education Jammu highlighted government initiatives over the past year, including changes in academic sessions, timely updation of seniority lists, and regular conduct of DPCs, aimed at improving educational standards.
Teachers expressed gratitude for reforms such as regularisation of CPWs, posting of principals and teachers, timely availability of textbooks, and other pending issues. They also requested measures like leave salary at retirement, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, withdrawal from non-teaching assignments, and timely Mid Day Meal payments.
On the sidelines, Minister Itoo distributed sewing machines to women beneficiaries of the Social Welfare department and bicycles to students for outstanding achievements in academics and national sports competitions.