Srinagar, April 11 -- The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved the upgradation of four District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) as Centres of Excellence at an estimated cost of ?40.83 crore, with Kupwara among the four districts selected for the project, Education Minister Sakina Itoo said on Saturday.

The other three DIETs to be upgraded including Poonch, Kathua and Rajouri districts, she added.

Education Minister Sakina Itoo credited Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the initiative, stating that the decision was taken with his "consistent support and visionary leadership."

"These Centres of Excellence will significantly strengthen teacher training and improve the quality of education across J&K," the minister told ne...