In a sweeping reform aimed at transforming the educational landscape, the school education department in Jammu and Kashmir has undertaken a series of visionary measures following the repeal of Article 370, ushering in an era of exceptional progress in the Union Territory’s education sector.
Uniform Academic Calendar: A Game-Changer
To ensure seamless integration with the national academic calendar and bring standardization, the administration boldly introduced the Uniform Academic Calendar across all government and private schools in Jammu and Kashmir. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. In a historic milestone, the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) successfully conducted the first-ever Uniform academic calendar-driven annual regular examinations for 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students. A total of 1,27,636 students were enrolled for the 12th standard examinations, 1,39,431 for 11th standard examinations, and 1,48,701 for 10th standard examinations in the academic year 2023, consolidating the academic landscape and fostering a conducive learning environment.
School Bag Policy, 2020: Alleviating the Burden of Homework
Keeping in mind the welfare of young learners, the School Education Department introduced the School Bag Policy, 2020, a visionary move to alleviate the burden of homework. As per the policy, students in primary classes (up to Class II) will be exempt from homework, while those in Classes III-V will have a maximum of two hours per week. For middle school students (Classes VI-VII), a maximum of one hour per day (approximately five to six hours per week) will be assigned, and secondary and higher secondary students will have a maximum of two hours per day (approximately 10 to 12 hours per week). Teachers are actively cooperating to ensure the rationalization and fair distribution of homework.
Grand Enrollment Drive: Empowering Students Across All Districts
In a remarkable feat of inclusivity, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) conducted the Grand Enrollment Drive across all 10 districts of the Kashmir valley during the Academic year 2021-2022. The results were awe-inspiring, as 1143 dropout students returned to Government schools in 91 educational zones, showcasing the profound impact of the drive. Equally significant was the admission of 965 children with special needs (CWSN) to various government schools, enabling them to access quality education without financial constraints. The academic year also witnessed a staggering 19.02 percent increase in overall government school enrollment in the Kashmir division, with 118,176 new enrollments marking a new era of educational progress.
Distribution of Free Textbooks: A Step Towards Inclusive Education
In a move to democratize education, the JKBOSE took up the mantle of providing textbooks free of charge to students in all government schools across the Kashmir Valley. In a well-coordinated effort, Chief Educational Officers of all districts oversaw the distribution of textbooks for students in the first and second grades, while the SamgraShiksha funds allocated to government schools were utilized for grades three to eight. An astounding 1,990,640 textbooks were distributed to students from first to eighth grades in 91 educational zones, a shining example of fostering accessibility and inclusivity.
Corporal Punishment Banned: Ensuring a Safe and Nurturing Environment
In a resolute step towards safeguarding student welfare, the School Education Department of Kashmir issued a blanket ban on corporal punishment and all forms of abuse in educational institutions across the Kashmir valley. The move reaffirms the administration’s commitment to providing a secure and friendly environment conducive to learning.
SAMIKSHA Online Platform: Empowering Students and Enhancing Education Quality
Breaking new ground, the School Education Department introduced the SAMIKSHA online platform, empowering more than 7 lakh students from grades 6th to 12th in government schools to provide monthly feedback on teacher performance, school-related activities, infrastructure, and sanitation facilities. This invaluable data is utilized to provide targeted training and implement necessary measures at the grassroots level, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fostering continuous improvement in the education system and overall development.
Seasonal Schools for Nomadic Children: Pioneering Education Outreach
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by nomadic communities, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has pioneered Seasonal Centres in highland pastures. During the summer migration period (April to September), these centres provide educational facilities to children aged 6–14 years. The initiative ensures that children from nomadic families continue their education for up to six months every year, either maintaining their enrollment in their original schools or accessing education while on the move.
Special scholarships: Catalyzing educational aspirations
In a commendable joint effort, the Governments of Jammu and Kashmir and India offer special scholarships to deserving students, enabling them to pursue higher education in schools, colleges, and universities. These scholarships, directly transferred to students’ bank accounts, have opened doors to academic excellence for countless talented individuals.
With an unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence and inclusivity, Jammu and Kashmir stand poised to lead the way towards a brighter tomorrow for its young minds.
