SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring fair implementation of the reservation policy and introducing reforms in the education sector.
Speaking to reporters during her visit to Tangmarg, Itoo, defended the formation of the subcommittee on reservations, stating that it was set up with serious intent and not due to political pressure or social media campaigns. “The reservation policy is for the people. That’s why Chief Minister Omar Abdullah constituted a subcommittee with a six-month mandate. It wasn’t formed because someone tweeted — absolutely not,” she said, indirectly referring to opposition criticism.
She said the committee submitted its report a day before the deadline, and it has now been forwarded to the Law Department for legal vetting. “The Chief Minister is deeply concerned about the issue. We are serious about addressing it,” she added.
On education, the minister said the government has initiated long-pending rationalisation of school staff. “Teachers posted in overcrowded schools will be shifted to remote areas. Those who haven’t served there will now be required to do so for a few years. It will be mandatory,” she stated.
She criticised previous administrations for failing to implement a fair transfer and promotion policy for teachers. “Promotions were stalled for years, and there was no proper transfer policy. We have changed that. I congratulate the officers who worked diligently on this,” Itoo said.
She also acknowledged that additional charges are being held by some officers due to staff shortages in the Education Department but added that duties have been assigned wherever possible.
“Earlier, posts of CEOs, ZEOs, and headmasters remained vacant to a large extent. Since the local government took charge, most of these posts have been filled. The remaining vacancies will be addressed soon,” she said. (KNO)
