Srinagar, Jul 08 (KNO): Asserting that opportunities for students should not be determined by where they live, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the younger generation in Jammu and Kashmir is surpassing previous generations in confidence, innovation and ideas.
Addressing the Education Conclave-2026, ‘Buniyaad Se Bulandi Tak’, the Chief Minister, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), handed over appointment letters to 117 newly-selected school lecturers, announced a ‘full tuition fee waiver for students from Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families’ and launched 2,109 education sector works worth over Rs 115 crore.
Interacting with students during the conclave, CM Omar said the younger generation had given him renewed confidence about the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The next generation is leaving us behind in every way. The way they think, present their ideas and speak reflects a real generational shift, and that augurs well for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he spent much longer than scheduled at an exhibition showcasing student innovations because every stall offered something new to learn.
He praised students for developing practical solutions, including technologies aimed at preventing carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards and cyber fraud.
Referring to a project on fake UPI applications, Omar said the students had identified a fraud affecting small traders and even shared their findings with the police.
“A loss of Rs 100 may not matter much to some people, but for someone who earns daily wages, it can make the difference between survival and hardship. If technology developed by these students can prevent such fraud, it can make a real difference,” he said.
Quoting a student speaker, Omar said one line had particularly resonated with him: “Opportunity should not be defined by geography.”
He acknowledged that disparities still exist between urban and rural areas in access to educational opportunities.
“Children in Srinagar should have the same opportunities as those in Kupwara, Kishtwar, Kathua or Poonch. Today, we have to admit there is a difference, and it is our responsibility to bridge that gap,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government had begun implementing several education-related announcements made in the Budget and credited Education Minister Sakina Itoo for translating them into action.
CM Omar said while everything cannot change overnight, it would be wrong to claim that nothing was happening. “People are working and we will continue to do more,” he said.
Describing teachers as the backbone of society, Omar said every profession, whether a doctor, engineer, soldier or police officer begins with a teacher.
“A doctor becomes a doctor because a teacher builds that foundation. An engineer, a soldier and every professional begins with education. That is why strengthening school and higher education remains our priority,” he said.
Congratulating the newly-appointed lecturers, the Chief Minister urged them to view their assignments as a responsibility towards the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
“You are not just serving a college. You are shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir. If you perform your duties with dedication, our future will be stronger,” he said.
During the conclave, CM Omar also felicitated 67 meritorious school and college students and honoured National Award-winning teachers.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure, improving teachers’ service conditions and ensuring equitable access to quality education across Jammu and Kashmir.
“I leave this conclave with renewed confidence in the future of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Chief Minister said—(KNO)