144 B Ed colleges in private sector in J and K

Srinagar, May 9 (UNI) As many as 144 B Ed colleges in private sector besides two in government sector are functioning in the Jammu and Kashmir.

However, out of 1.13 lakh teachers, only 40 per cent are trained so far while efforts are on to train the remaining teachers.

Secretary Higher Education Khazir Mohammad Wani said the two B Ed colleges in government sector, one each at Srinagar and Jammu, with intake capacity of only 900 teachers, are not able to suffice the increasing requirement for teachers training.

''Public-private participation and involvement of private sector to achieve the objective of training about 1.13 lakh teachers, of which only 40 per cent are trained, is imperative'', he said adding that presently 144 B Ed colleges are functioning in the private sector and the role of education department was now a facilitator rather than regulator.

He said University Grants Commission has sanctioned Rs 10 crore for Degree College Uri.

Mr Wani said the education sector was receiving four times more funding under 11th Plan and the grants to this sector had gone up from 7.7 per cent to 19 per cent.

This, he said, was historic opportunity to strengthen the sector and achieve the goals set for realising quality education in the state along with its universalisation.

UNI BAS NY KN1625