Kishtwar,18-06-2025
In a strategic initiative to evaluate and strengthen the implementation of key educational schemes, Dr. Archana Parihar, State Coordinator, Samagra Shiksha, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, conducted a week-long monitoring visit across four of the seven education zones in District Kishtwar.
The visit aimed to assess the on-ground performance of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), focusing on academic delivery, administrative efficiency, and infrastructure readiness.
During her comprehensive review, Dr. Parihar closely examined various aspects of school functioning, including classroom engagement, student participation, hygiene standards, and integration of digital tools in teaching. She engaged with school heads, teachers, and field-level functionaries to understand local challenges and ensure that government initiatives are being implemented in letter and spirit.
In her directives following the visit, Dr. Parihar emphasized strict compliance with procedural norms under Samagra Shiksha, including proper record-keeping and judicious utilization of school grants, especially with mandatory allocations toward the Swachhata Abhiyan. She highlighted the need for maintaining hygiene in school kitchens under the PM POSHAN scheme and encouraged the development of kitchen gardens to support both nutrition and learning. Schools were reminded of the importance of sending daily ARMS SMS reports by 1:00 PM, with strict monitoring mechanisms to be enforced by higher authorities.
To reinforce the government’s tobacco-free education policy, Dr. Parihar directed all institutions to display appropriate TOFEI banners and ensure full adherence to guidelines. While appreciating the conduct of cultural and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) activities, she expressed concern over inadequate documentation and instructed all Heads of Institutions to maintain updated registers for all events.
Dr. Parihar also underscored the importance of digital compliance, stressing that student attendance must be marked online daily through the VSK Chatbot by 11:00 AM. Any lapses in this regard would invite disciplinary action. She urged all schools to register on the Vidyanjali Portal to encourage volunteer engagement and enhance community participation in the education system. Moreover, she noted with concern the limited usage of the DIKSHA app by teachers and called for its regular integration into teaching practices to boost digital learning outcomes and support professional growth.
Speaking at the conclusion of her visit, Dr. Parihar reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening education in remote and underserved areas.
She highlighted the pivotal role of school leadership in translating policies into tangible outcomes and called for a collaborative approach to improve the quality, inclusivity, and accountability of education in the region.