SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday launched JK e-Pathshala – Direct to Home Channel-53, a dedicated educational television channel aimed at strengthening school education, particularly for students in far-flung and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The channel was launched at a function held at the Convention Centre, attended by Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo (via video conferencing), Commissioner Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, and other senior officials, teachers and students.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated two newly established digital studios, declared 14 districts of Jammu and Kashmir as fully literate, and dedicated 1,010 works completed under the Samagra Shiksha scheme during 2025–26 to the public.
Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah said JK e-Pathshala marked a new phase in the use of technology to support school education. He stressed that digital platforms were meant to supplement classroom teaching and not replace teachers, underlining that the teacher-student bond could not be replicated by technology.
Highlighting the geographical and climatic challenges faced by students in remote areas, the Chief Minister said the channel would enable continued learning beyond school hours, particularly during harsh weather conditions. He also emphasised the need for regular content updates and feedback from students and teachers to ensure the channel’s effectiveness.
The Chief Minister called for continuous upskilling of teachers to effectively integrate technology into teaching and encouraged responsible use of digital devices by students. He also urged parents and teachers to promote reading habits among children.
Earlier, Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo described the launch of JK e-Pathshala as a significant step towards strengthening and modernising the education sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
