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Education

Year Ender: J&K’s education system grappled with progress & pitfalls in 2023

Srinagar, Dec 28 (WD):

Education in J&K: A Recap of 2023

Positive Strides Amidst Challenges

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In the fiscal year 2023, the education landscape of Jammu and Kashmir underwent a thorough evaluation, revealing both positive developments and persistent challenges.

Academic Days and Commitment to Education

The School and Higher Education Departments logged over 220 academic days in 2023, surpassing the mandated number outlined by authorities. Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Higher Education Department, emphasized the commitment to uninterrupted education, even in higher education departments.

Major Developments and Challenges

1. Accreditation Concerns:

  • Nearly 60% of colleges in J&K lacked NAAC accreditation in 2023, raising questions about curriculum coverage and teaching quality.

2. University Rankings:

  • The University of Kashmir secured the 48th rank, and Jammu University secured the 66th rank among the top 100 universities in the country.

3. Challenges in School Education:

  • Identified threats included ‘untrained’ teachers, Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers, and concerns about monitoring private educational institutes.

4. Infrastructural Gaps:

  • Approximately 5000 remote schools faced infrastructural gaps, emphasizing the need for skilled human resources in teaching.

5. Retention Rates:

  • Retention rates at primary and elementary levels were below the national average, prompting a call for initiatives to achieve 100% retention.

6. Electricity Facilities:

  • Until October 2023, 61% of government-run schools lacked electricity, questioning promises of infrastructural facilities.

7. Departmental Exams for Promotion:

  • Proposal for departmental examinations through JKPSC for employee promotions in the School Education Department.

8. Active Involvement of Principals:

  • Principals and headmasters directed to actively teach at least two classes a day to enhance the teaching-learning process.

9. Lecturers Teaching Lower Classes:

  • Lecturers directed to teach 9th and 10th standard students to elevate academic standards.

10. Bringing Back Dropout Students:

  • Nearly one lakh Out of School Children (OoSC) brought back to educational institutions, securing the first position in India under NIPUN Bharat.

11. Board Examination Reforms:

  • Substantial reforms recommended for Grades 10 and 12 board examinations, focusing on understanding and competencies.

12. Rationalizing Teacher Distribution:

  • Initiatives to balance teacher postings and maintain Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) for equitable urban-rural distribution.

13. Kindergartens Without Governance:

  • Private preparatory schools, specifically Kindergartens in Kashmir, operated without regulatory oversight, posing governance concerns.

14. Ban on Motorbike Usage:

  • A blanket ban on motorbike usage by students below 18 years during school hours imposed on June 26, 2023.

15. Playground Tagging Initiative:

  • MoE urged tagging schools without playgrounds with nearby institutions having such facilities to foster sports and recreational opportunities.

While the year showcased progress, these challenges underscore the need for sustained efforts and reforms in J&K’s education system.

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