On way to revamp SCERT in a big way, says B K Singh

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 17: Hailing the efforts of the Education Department, Principal Secretary, School Education Department, B K Singh today said that his efforts are aimed at making the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) the No 1 institution in the country.
Singh was speaking at a two-day orientation workshop of master trainers and resource persons organized by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) at the conference hall of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Srinagar.
“We’re in the process of revamping the SCERT in a big way by appointing staff on a merit basis through nominations and selections,” Singh said. “We aim to see the SCERT as the No.1 training and research institution of the country.”
Singh stressed creating a working synergy between the NIOS and the Education Department.
“The expertise of NIOS, which has done a tremendous amount of work over the years, can be utilized in mainstreaming the out-of-school children,” Singh said. “Around 45,000 out-of-school children need immediate rehabilitation.”
While Singh was being shown around, he took a strong notice of the defunct SCERT auditorium and issued on-the-spot instructions to make it fully functional as soon as possible.
“It’s a matter of grave concern that a magnificent building such as this has been left to ruin,” Singh rued. “I expect the next Teachers’ Day celebrations will be held in this auditorium.”
Singh also visited the School Leadership Academy (SLA) office housed in Ustad Ghar and interacted with the staff there. He was apprised of the programs conducted by the Academy ever since its conception by Nodal Officer, SLA, Dr Fayaz Ahmad Bhat.