JAMMU, APRIL 10: Chairing a high-level meeting of academicians and prominent members of the civil society, Advisor to Chief Minister Prof Amitabh Mattoo said that private schools have a dual responsibility of imparting quality education and a social responsibility to cater to the less privileged segments of the society. He said that big schools have developed network of schools across the Country and are selling their franchisee as Multinational Corporation which is very demeaning to the basic concept of quality education.
Prof Amitabh Mattoo is heading State Knowledge Initiative along with Minister for Education Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and is also chairing a high-level committee announced by Education Minister on the floor of the House, for streamlining the functioning of schools of J&K “Access, equity and benchmarks are the need of the hour in the present era of Knowledge education; the Government will not allow a few unscrupulous elements to make education a purely profit generating business. The concept of education is going through a phase of transition across the Country and J&K should become a part of this National phenomenon of growth which can be achieved only by participation of all stakeholders, and the private schools have a pivotal role to play so that our State sets a benchmark at the National level in education”, he said.
Prof Mattoo said that it was the dream and vision of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to ensure equity and active participation of the private schools for upliftment of the society and the State. Fleecing of students and parents by making an organized business of uniforms, books etc is not desirable and there shall be zero tolerance against such malpractices, he added. He said that the State Knowledge Initiative is vigorously working on a long-term vision to restore the lost glory of the State as a Knowledge society and Knowledge economy. Those attended the meeting include MLC and Vice Chairman, Urdu Council Zafar Manhas, Vice Chancellor Central University Jammu Prof. Ashok Aima, OSD State Knowledge Initiative Suneet Gupta, Representative Private Schools Jammu and permanent invitee to the Committee Deepak Handa and other officials.