Varanasi, Oct 27: District Rajouri received notable recognition at the National Seminar (North) on Regional Best Practices in Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks organized by NITI Aayog at Varanasi. Representing the district, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, District Statistics and Evaluation Officer Rajouri,* presented the best practices implemented in Aspirational Block Khawas in the education sector.
The presentation highlighted the challenges initially faced in the block, the administrative interventions undertaken, and the positive outcomes achieved through strategic planning and convergence of schemes.
The district administration successfully integrated key centrally sponsored flagship schemes such as PMGSY, SBM-G and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to bring impactful improvements on the ground. Under this convergence approach, previously unconnected villages and hamlets were provided with all-weather road connectivity.
Infrastructure in educational institutions was significantly upgraded with the construction of Teacher Bhawans at HSS Narla and HSS Ujhan, establishment of a KGBV Girls Hostel at Khawas, and creation of new school buildings and additional classrooms.
Separate girls’ toilets were also provided in Government schools, which played a crucial role in ensuring dignity, safety and better retention of female students.
These interventions resulted in a remarkable increase in girls’ enrolment, reduction of dropout rates to zero, improved transition rates of students from upper primary to secondary and from secondary to higher secondary levels, and increased academic performance, with more students securing above 60% marks in Class 10th and 12th examinations.
To ensure continued education for the children of migratory tribal families, the functioning of four seasonal centres in high-altitude pastoral areas was regularly monitored, which also contributed to a notable rise in literacy rates.
Community participation, encouraged by local leadership and awareness efforts, played a vital role in motivating tribal parents to send their children to school, especially girls.
The initiatives were implemented under the visionary leadership of District Magistrate Rajouri, Shri Abhishek Sharma, IAS, along with strong inter-departmental coordination and continuous monitoring by the district administration.
At the seminar, Sandeep Kumar Sharma’s presentation was highly appreciated by the Mission Director, ADP/ABP, NITI Aayog, New Delhi,* for effectively showcasing the district’s innovative and result-oriented approach.
He was formally *felicitated by NITI Aayog* in recognition of the exemplary work and impactful presentation made on behalf of District Rajouri.
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