Srinagar: Terming teachers as the role models for the society, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today impressed upon the teaching community to play their role more seriously in the proper mental and psychological upbringing of their students besides undertaking usual academic activities.
Addressing a gathering of teachers here after inaugurating the Ustaad Ghar here today, the Chief Minister said that teachers in every society play a vital role in shaping up of young minds. She reminded the teachers that the students in the Valley have come through very tough and turbulent times who ought to be counseled and guided appropriately.
The Chief Minister complimented the teachers for the maturity and responsibility with which they have been conducting academic affairs in the classes and on campuses this year and hoped that they would play this role with much more dedication and zeal.
After the formal inauguration, the Chief Minister went round various sections of the Ustaad Ghar and took stock of the facilities raised for teachers. She directed completion of remaining works on the auditorium and out sourcing of sanitation and kitchen so that the facility is properly maintained.
Earlier, in his address, Minister for Education, Syed Altaf Bukhari assured the Chief Minister that imparting proper mental and moral education to students remains the mission and priority with his Department. He also complimented the teacher community for the responsible role they played in guiding the students at schools and colleges. He said soon the Department would be starting Student Counselling Cells at schools and Colleges for advising them on career and job selections.
Minister for R&B, Naeem Akhtar; Minister of State for Housing & Urban Development, Asiea Naqash; MLA, Batamaloo, Noor Muhammad Sheikh; Secretary, School Education, Farooq Ahmad Shah and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Chief Minister, who was on a whirlwind tour of the Srinagar city, laid the foundation stone of a women’s Degree College at Zakura. Being built at an estimated cost of Rs. 11.48 crore and spread over 53 kanals of land, the college building is expected to be completed by June next year.
Mehbooba Mufti directed the project executing agency to pace up the work on the project so that the building would be ready by the start of next academic session.
Enroute, the Chief Minister visited the historic women’s College, Nawakadal where she inaugurated the academic and science block. She also went round the craft centre set up by the students of the college and appreciated their efforts.
The Chief Minister directed the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to look for an appropriate outlet either at Kashmir Haat or at Emporium premises. She also directed the Higher Education Department to encourage the crafts people who are doing the noble work of transferring the age old skills from one generation to another.
On her arrival, Mehbooba Mufti was formally received by a contingent of NCC girl guides of the college.
Later, the Chief Minister also visited the Amar Singh College where she inaugurated the newly constructed Faculty Development Centre (FDC).
Commissioner-Secretary, Higher Education Department, Dr. Asgar Samoon; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan; heads of several Engineering wings; Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone and other senior officers accompanied the Chief Minister during the tour. (KNS)
