Jammu, 10 August (H.S.): Emphasising the need to strengthen the education sector in rural and far-flung areas, Ranbir Singh Pathania, MLA Udhampur East, pooh-poohed the J&K Government over the shortage of staff in remote areas.

Addressing a public meeting, he said that far-flung areas of Udhampur district, including Dudu, Bastangrah, Pancheri, Garh Samnabanj, Chore Panjian and Moungri, have been facing a shortage of teachers and other staff. He said that inadequate infrastructure and shortage of teaching personnel have adversely affected educational activities in these areas.

Mr Pathania recalled that the Government had committed on the floor of the Assembly that transfers in district Udhampur would be undertaken, but almost second year has passed and the teaching community continues to await a rational and comprehensive transfer policy.

He urged the Government to come up with a comprehensive and transparent transfer mechanism, particularly keeping in view the requirements of schools located in difficult and far-flung areas.

The MLA also drew attention towards the shortage of subject-specific teachers in schools upgraded under RMSA. He said that several upgraded high schools are facing acute shortages of subject teachers, which directly affects the quality of education. He called for the immediate deployment of subject-specific teachers, particularly in schools where students are being deprived of proper instruction in important subjects.

Mr Pathania stressed that education cannot be limited merely to classrooms and textbooks. He said schools must have functional toilets, playgrounds, boundary walls and access to clean drinking water.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar