Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo today informed the House that the department is currently focusing on consolidation of infrastructure and provision of teaching faculty in already upgraded Schools.

The Minister stated this while replying to a question of Legislator, Dr. Sajjad Shafi regarding up-gradation of Schools in Legislative Assembly today.

The Education Minister highlighted that up-gradation of schools is a continuous and ongoing process and such proposals are examined from time to time strictly in accordance with the prescribed norms and criteria.

She added that up-gradation requires the fulfilment of laid-down criteria and feasibility norms, like distance, feeding schools and top-class enrolment, which are prerequisites. She added that there is no immediate proposal with the government for up-gradation of existing schools to the next higher level.

She highlighted that up-gradation of schools to the next higher level involves significant financial implications for creation of infrastructure and teaching/non-teaching posts and therefore, requires concurrence from the Finance Department.

The Minister said that the areas like Uri require special consideration due to remoteness and limited access to higher education. She assured that institutions in Uri will be prioritised while upgrading the schools.