Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Sept 9: A group of school going and college students from Jammu & Kashmir visited Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here for an informal interaction over lunch.
During over one hour interaction, students evinced considerable enthusiasm in speaking directly to Dr Jitendra Singh and posed questions on a wide range of subjects from militancy to poor education and from inadequate infrastructure in Government schools in rural areas to the current ongoing debate on Article-35A of the Constitution.
Dr Jitendra Singh told the students that the State of Jammu & Kashmir was rich in intellect and talent, but due to incompatible circumstances, the potential of the youth had remained under-utilized. The same students when they come out of the State, he said, excel their peers which proves that they are deterred by lack of opportunity.
The students urged upon Dr Jitendra Singh to speak to the State Government authorities for upgrading the infrastructure in Government schools and ensuring that there is a computer and internet facility in every Government school. In response, the Minister said, he agreed with the concern shown by the students and he would take up the issue with State authorities. He also acknowledged that most of the Government schools have good teaching staff, but they lack motivation because of lack of infrastructure. He cited the example of a Government school in village Budhi in district Kathua which he had got upgraded through his own resources, following which there was a unique trend of children from nearby private schools migrating over to this Government school.
What is commendable, Dr Jitendra Singh said, that students from some of the most militancy affected districts of the State are excelling in competitive exams at national level. Citing example, he said the second all-India topper in IAS exam last year was a boy from Anantnag and this year also, the 10th all India ranker is from the Valley. Similarly, he said at least 10 students from militancy affected districts of the State have made it to the IIT and over 15 to NIT through IIT-JEE exam.
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