In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta on Tuesday chaired a meeting of Steering-Cum-Monitoring Committee for Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme.<br />'' <br />''He also reviewed the facilities being provided in the government schools across Jammu and Kashmir.<br />'' <br />''The Chief Secretary reviewed the enrolment and dropout rates in government schools.<br />'' <br />''He directed the School Education Department to assess the reasons for high dropout rate and take corrective measures to reduce the same while simultaneously enhancing the student enrolment.<br />'' <br />''He also called for ensuring gender parity, especially in rural areas by providing basic facilities to the girl students including sanitation and security.<br />'' <br />''Mr Mehta observed that Jammu and Kashmir maintains a high teacher-pupil ratio and asked the Department to rationalize the availability of teachers based on student strength of schools with a special focus on schools in rural areas.<br />'' <br />''He said that availability of at least two teachers per school needs to be ensured.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">To maintain high standards of quality education at government schools, the School Education Department was asked to update the curriculum on the lines of NCERT by the 31st of August this year as a part of its education policy.   </span><br />