Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Education Department has directed all schools in the Valley to refrain from the practice of giving non-biodegradable bouquets, and instead use natural flowers, while extending courtesy to Education Minister or any other officials who visit the institutions. 

"It has been observed that the guests/officers who visit the schools/offices or any function are received with plastic bouquets which is not an eco-friendly practice and needs to be done away with," a circular issued by Director School Education, Kashmir, Shah Faesal reads. 

The circular said that in case any courtesy is to be extended to the guest or the Minister for Education, natural flowers grown in the school premises must be given instead of the non-biodegradable bouquet. 

The practice would also encourage the local cultivation of flowers in the schools and would prove to be a self-confidence building tool for the students, the circular said. 

This step is seen as the Department's endeavour to do its bit in protecting the environment. 

Since Faesal took over as the director, many innovative measures have been taken by the Department. 

The Department recently asked heads of all its institutions in the Valley to desist from insisting on lavish hospitality to senior officials during their visits. 

"All the heads of the institutions of Kashmir Division falling under this Directorate are enjoined not to insist any lavish hospitality during the visit of senior officers to their respective institutions," a circular, issued by the director said. 

It also said that State Education Minister Naeem Akhtar has directed that hospitality during his visit should be restricted to a cup of water so as not to deflect attention from the core academic activities. 

In another circular, the department directed the staff at the Directorate here to extend due courtesy to teacher applicants and address them as "sir" or "jenab". 

The staff was also told to give priority to lady teachers during disposal of various matters. (Agencies)