Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appoints lecturers and waives tuition fees for needy students at Education Conclave 2026

SRINAGAR, JULY 08: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah handed over appointment letters to 117 newly selected lecturers today during the Education Conclave 2026, themed “Buniyaad Se Bulandi Tak.” Organized by Samagra Shiksha and the Departments of School and Higher Education, the event marked the revival of school lecturer appointments in the region for the first time in many years.

Fulfilling a commitment from Budget 2026, the Chief Minister also announced a full fee waiver for school and college students belonging to Antyodaya Anna Yojana families to ensure affordable and accessible education.The conclave served as a platform for major infrastructure and digital upgrades, with the Chief Minister launching 2,109 education sector works worth over 115 crore rupees. These initiatives include a virtual classroom studio and a high-tech auditorium for the Government College of Engineering and Technology Jammu.

In addition to reviewing exhibition stalls that showcased student innovations, patents, and startups, the Chief Minister felicitated 67 meritorious students and honored National Award-winning teachers, while praising Education Minister Sakina Itoo for introducing key budgetary interventions.

Addressing the gathering of ministers, legislators, academicians, and senior officials, the Chief Minister described teachers as the backbone of society and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving educational facilities, service conditions, and learning outcomes across Jammu and Kashmir.

Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Minister for Agriculture Javid Ahmad Dar, and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani were among the prominent dignitaries present at the day-long event, which the Chief Minister noted gave him renewed confidence in the future of the region’s education sector.