J&K appoints 117 school lecturers, waives tuition fees for AAY students

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, July 8: The Jammu & Kashmir Government on Tuesday appointed 117 school lecturers, announced a full tuition fee waiver for students from Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, and launched education infrastructure projects worth over ₹115 crore during the Education Conclave 2026 held in Srinagar.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah handed over appointment letters to 117 newly selected lecturers, marking the first appointments to School Lecturer posts in the Education Department in several years.

The Chief Minister also announced a full waiver of tuition fees for school and college students belonging to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, fulfilling a commitment made in the 2026 Budget. The measure is aimed at improving access to education for economically weaker sections.

The announcements were made during the day-long Education Conclave 2026, themed “Buniyaad Se Bulandi Tak,” organised by the Samagra Shiksha programme and the Departments of School and Higher Education.

During the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated 2,109 education sector works valued at more than ₹115 crore. The projects include a studio for virtual classrooms and a high-tech auditorium at the Government College of Engineering and Technology, Jammu.

The conclave also recognised academic excellence, with 67 meritorious school and college students felicitated alongside National Award-winning teachers.

Earlier, the Chief Minister visited exhibition stalls displaying student innovations, institutional reforms and technology-based initiatives developed by educational institutions across Jammu & Kashmir.

Addressing the gathering, Abdullah said the innovations showcased by students, including patents and start-up ideas, demonstrated the role of quality education and technology in addressing practical challenges.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure, institutional development and improving service conditions for teachers and academic staff to ensure equitable access to quality education across Jammu & Kashmir.

Describing teachers as the foundation of every profession, the Chief Minister said the government would continue efforts to improve schools, support educators and enhance learning outcomes.

Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Members of the Legislative Assembly, senior civil servants, Vice Chancellors, college principals, education department officials, academicians and students attended the conclave.