J&K to introduce disaster management as full-time subject

The Jammu and Kashmir government will introduce disaster management as a full-time subject in schools and colleges of the state.

The announcement was made by state Education Minister Altaf Bukhari during a meeting with a delegation of students pursuing post-graduation in disaster management at the University of Kashmir, an official spokesman said.

He said the students informed the minister about the need to introduce disaster management as a subject in the state.

“There is a need to educate people about disaster management as the state of Jammu and Kashmir falls in high seismic zone and teaching the subject at the University of Kashmir alone cannot cater to the need of raising awareness among the people,” the students said.

The minister while appreciating the students' suggestion, said these kind of recommendations from the students are always welcome.

“I assure you my full support. Separate posts of teachers for this particular subject will be referred to the Public Service Commission,” the minister said, adding the government led by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti will provide full support to such innovative ideas and suggestions.

He also asked the students to hold a week-long awareness programme after fasting month of Ramzan in Amira Kadal constituency on the cause of 2014 floods in Kashmir and steps that can be taken to avoid flood threats in future.