Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reviewed a comprehensive roadmap to upgrade 714 high schools across the Union Territory into K-12 composite schools. The proposed initiative will enhance access to senior secondary education, improve the GER at the higher secondary level and address the issue of students dropping out after Class 10.
Abdullah led a meeting of the School Education Department on Monday, where officials discussed the phased plan for transforming the identified high schools into institutions offering education from the primary level through Class 12. The proposed expansion will be based on requirements related to teaching and non-teaching staff, infrastructure, laboratories and other essential facilities, the official said.
The proposed K-12 model will also make it easier for students to retain their school education. Currently, at the end of Class 10, students need to move to another institution to take up Classes 11 and 12 in areas where senior secondary schools are limited. The government feels that upgrading the current high schools is one area in which we can bridge the gap and make high school education more accessible.
Focus on reduction of dropouts after Class 10
One of the main thrusts of the initiative is to reduce the dropout from Class 10 to senior secondary education. The latter stage is especially crucial because students in remote and underserved areas can struggle to access schools in which Classes 11 and 12 are offered.
By converting selected high schools into K-12 composite schools, the administration wants to give high school students access to senior secondary education closer to their homes. For students in remote and distant locations, such distance and poor transportation options can be barriers to them continuing their education.
The roadmap also tackles improving academic facilities in schools. It was noted that the use of existing human resources is needed to make sure that upgraded institutions have the staff and infrastructure for the senior secondary classes.
Need-Based Expansion of School Network
Abdullah emphasized this need-based approach and the necessity of developing senior secondary education for Jammu and Kashmir at the meeting. Rather than expanding without any considerations of local needs, he said, the roadmap calls for schools and areas in which higher secondary education is in the most need.
The overall school network is also to be developed to make better use of existing institutions and resources. The development of laboratories and other academic facilities will be one of the key components of the proposed upgrades to students in higher education classes, which is where a specialised learning environment is more important.
One of the key objectives is to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio at the higher secondary level. Classes 11 and 12 access, therefore, will be increased to ensure students will remain in the formal education system longer and move on to other studies after school.
Coordination With Union Government
The roadmap will also entail working with the Union government to secure the necessary support under centrally sponsored schemes. Such coordination could help meet the financial and infrastructural requirements of converting existing high schools into K-12 composite institutions.
The phased nature of the proposal indicates that the administration will assess requirements before investing in the upgrades. Staffing, infrastructure, laboratories and other facilities will need to be aligned with the number of students and the specific needs of each location.
The meeting was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta. Senior officers from the School Education Department were also present.
The proposed upgrade of 714 high schools is part of the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s push to upgrade senior secondary education through existing institutions. With this initiative, we want to provide Classes 11 and 12 a more accessible and continuous education system for a wider student population in urban and remote areas of the Union Territory.
