Fix school infrastructure, vacancies before expecting better results: Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the Government, parents and teachers must jointly shoulder the responsibility of preparing children for a rapidly changing world, while acknowledging the mounting pressures on educators and assuring them of steps to address vacancies, transfers, infrastructure gaps and other genuine concerns.

Addressing a one-day Education Conference organized by the J&K Teachers Forum in Srinagar, Omar said that the responsibility of shaping the future of our children cannot be placed on teachers alone, stressing that the Government, parents and teachers must work together to prepare children for a rapidly changing world.

“There are gaps in the infrastructure. We talk about smart classes, but how far have we been able to take them? Smart classes are far away. In some places, we are still not able to provide the right infrastructure for the schools—with schools functioning in rented accommodation, unsafe buildings,” he said.

He said that while the Government was gradually working to improve school infrastructure, the responsibility for fixing these deficiencies rested with the administration.

Chief Minister said that providing infrastructure, filling up of vacancies is the responsibility of the Government. “Strengthening your hands so that you can do your work properly is the responsibility of me and my colleagues,” he said.

The Chief Minister said teachers play a crucial role in determining the future of children, but placing the entire responsibility on them would be unfair and add unnecessary pressure to an already demanding profession.

The conference, themed “Child is Our Priority”, brought together educators, researchers, policymakers and teachers to deliberate on key issues confronting the education sector, the challenges being faced by teachers and students, and the way forward.

Reflecting on the changing nature of the teaching profession, Omar said the challenges before teachers today are very different from those faced 10, 15 or 20 years ago.

“There was a time when we could not even think of complaining about teachers. From KG to Class 12, I do not remember ever complaining to my parents about any teacher,” he said, adding that children today are growing up in a vastly different environment.

He said that while children must certainly be encouraged to ask questions, they must also learn to listen and engage with the answers they receive.

He pointed out that teachers today have to compete for the attention of children with smartphones, social media, multiple television channels and now artificial intelligence.

Omar Abdullah also acknowledged that the Government itself often adds to the responsibilities of teachers by involving them in a range of activities beyond classroom teaching.

From preparing students for cultural programmes on the occasion of national events to organizing activities on various important commemorative days or participating in events such as Nasha Mukt Bharat campaigns or election-related duties, teachers are frequently called upon to shoulder additional responsibilities, he said.

Minister for Education Sakina Itoo and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani also addressed the conference and highlighted the pivotal role of teachers in society.