Udhampur, Aug 9: MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania has called for greater focus on quality basic education in rural and far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting staff shortages, inadequate infrastructure and the need for a comprehensive transfer policy. Speaking during a series of programmes across his constituency, Pathania said areas including Dudu, Bastangrah, Pancheri, Garh Samnabanj, Chore Panjian and Moungri were facing shortages of teachers and other staff, affecting educational activities. He stressed that quality education required more than classrooms and textbooks, calling for functional toilets, playgrounds, boundary walls and clean drinking water in every school. Jammu and Kashmir also needs more model schools so that students in rural and remote areas get access to quality education,” he said. He said Government High School Johnu and Government High School Chore Panjian were now functioning as PM SHRI schools, while Government Degree College, Majalta, had also developed modern infrastructure.