SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has set up 2000 Kindergartens as 3000 more are being set up, Principal Secretary of Education in Jammu and Kashmir, Alok Kumar, revealed at Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) 2023. He expressed his confidence in the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasising its role in shaping students as global citizens with 21st-century skills. He lauded the ongoing efforts to create a vibrant, innovative, and practical education system that caters to diverse learning needs.
Kumar highlighted the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department’s focus on the Foundational Stage (ECCE), where they have made significant progress. Currently, almost 2000 Kindergartens have been successfully established, and plans for over 3000 more are underway. This concerted effort aligns with the NEP’s vision to provide a strong educational foundation for young learners.
In tune with the NEP-2020’s objectives, digital learning has been actively promoted in the region, he said. Over 1000 ICT labs and 1700 Smart Classrooms are in the process of establishment, offering students enhanced learning experiences through technology integration.
Underlining the state’s commitment to ensuring holistic education, the Principal Secretary highlighted several remarkable initiatives. The JK Attendance App has played a crucial role in ensuring the regularity and punctuality of teachers, thereby enhancing overall education quality. Additionally, the SAMIKSHA App serves as a platform for ranking schools based on student feedback, driving continuous improvement.
To foster innovation and skill development, Jammu and Kashmir have introduced the STEER Mentorship Programme for Students and a Coding programme. These initiatives aim to empower students with diverse opportunities to nurture their innovative and IT skills, preparing them for the challenges of the future job market.
Besides, the DIKSHA Platform, a digital learning resource for teachers and students, has been instrumental in disseminating educational content and modern teaching methodologies, bolstering the overall education ecosystem.
In commemoration of the third anniversary of the NEP 2020, the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department, along with other states and union territories, showcased their remarkable achievements and initiatives at a Stall in the ITPO Exhibition ground. This exhibition served as a testament to the state’s commitment to fulfilling the transformative agenda of the NEP.
On this occasion, Project Director Samagra Shiksha, Deep Raj, shared updates on the first phase of the PM SHRI Scheme. Under this scheme, 233 schools have been selected, and the Ministry recently approved Rs. 116.43 Crores for their development. Raj highlighted the adoption of multidisciplinary approaches to make PM SHRI schools unique across J&K, providing students with diverse opportunities to nurture their innovative and IT skills.
Kumar’s address at the ABSS 2023 demonstrated Jammu and Kashmir’s proactive approach to shaping a comprehensive and holistic education system. Through kindergarten achievements and a strategic NEP-2020 implementation plan, the state aims to equip its students with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the 21st-century global landscape.
