Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a review meeting of the School Education Department at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar on Monday, focusing on measures to improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the higher secondary level.

During the meeting, the government reviewed the phased plan to upgrade 714 High Schools into K-12 composite schools. The plan includes assessing requirements for teaching and non-teaching staff, infrastructure, laboratories and other essential facilities needed to support the upgraded institutions.

The proposed upgradation is aimed at ensuring continuity in school education and expanding access to Classes XI and XII, particularly for students in underserved areas. The initiative is also expected to help reduce dropout rates during the critical transition from Class 10 to higher secondary education.

The review underlined the need for adequate infrastructure and human resources to ensure that the upgraded schools can effectively provide education up to the higher secondary level. The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the school education system and improve access to quality education across Jammu and Kashmir.