Jammu 06 :- The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department (SED) has requested detailed information on all “dummy schools” within the region. This directive, issued to the Directors of School Education (DSE) for both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, requires a full report within one week.
This move comes in preparation for a critical review meeting scheduled for August 5, 2024, chaired by the J&K Chief Secretary alongside representatives from Samagra Shiksha. The issue of dummy schools was initially raised during a meeting led by Principal Secretary SED, Alok Kumar, on July 31, 2024.
Dummy schools, defined as those with minimal or zero enrollment, were previously closed by the SED due to their failure to attract students. Over 4,400 schools, predominantly primary and 167 middle schools, have been shut down, primarily affecting Jammu division. Poonch, Baramulla, and Anantnag districts were notably impacted due to the large number of these non-functional institutions.
Recent revelations by the Ministry of Education (MoE) highlighted discrepancies in student enrollment figures, attributed to dual registrations. The update of Aadhar-based student data has corrected these figures, showing each student enrolled in only one school.
The upcoming review will also address other educational issues, including the operation of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) as day schools, the functionality of girls’ hostels, and the expansion of PM Shri schools. Additionally, the meeting will evaluate the progress of construction projects initiated from 2017-18 to the present.
Further, Principal Secretary Alok Kumar has mandated the collection of detailed reports on the attachment of RReTs and General Line Teachers. A directive has also been issued to withhold salaries of RReT teachers who are not at their designated postings.
The meeting will also address the verification of postgraduate degrees for staff pending promotion and placement, as per Government Order No. 940 of 2017. Both DSEs are tasked with submitting detailed reports on coaching and study centers, ensuring compliance with Government of India guidelines.
