Panchayats to oversee functioning of schools in J&K

Jammu: In a bid to check drop out rates in schools and ensure attendance of staff, the Jammu and Kashmir government has given powers to the panchayats to oversee functioning of schools.

This information was given at a meeting of Committee on Government Assurance of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council held here under the chairmanship of MLC S Dharambir Singh Oberoi to discuss and examine status of various government assurances. The panchayats in their respective areas would also oversee the utilisation of School Maintenance Grants (SMG), Teaching Learning Material (TLM) and Teaching Learning Equipment (TLE) as per norms, a spokesperson said here today said. It was also informed that the panchayats have been asked to keep vigil on attendance of primary school teachers, non-teaching staff and students and to report to the authorities concerned. They will also identify students for various scholarship schemes in primary schools, he said. The panchayats will also oversee distribution of study materials, uniforms and scholarships to students and monitor mid-day meal schemes. They will also and report on the functioning of Village Education Committee, the spokesperson said.