SRINAGAR: Calling the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 a “visionary and far-reaching” document, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today urged for its grassroots-centric implementation, saying the true success of the policy depends not just on its vision but on how sensitively it is adapted to local realities.
The Chief Minister was addressing a one-day conference titled “Empowering Education Leaders for Holistic Education” at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The conference brought together policymakers, educators, and institutional heads to reflect on five years of NEP and explore future pathways for reform.
“This is the time to evaluate where we have succeeded, where we have fallen short, and what more can be done. A policy is only as effective as its understanding and application,” Omar Abdullah said in his keynote address.
Describing NEP-2020 as “magnificent” in scope, he underscored the importance of adapting its ideals to the socio-cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out systemic issues like subject availability and language instruction, saying many schools and colleges still struggle with faculty shortages.
“In Jammu, only a few schools teach Urdu. In Kashmir, hardly any offer Hindi. And regional languages like Dogri, Kashmiri or Punjabi are scarcely present in the curriculum. These are not just academic gaps—they are identity gaps that must be addressed within our resource limitations,” he noted.
Omar Abdullah also highlighted the persistent urban-rural divide, especially in terms of access and infrastructure. “It’s easy to set up a school in Srinagar, but try doing it in Gurez, Tangdhar, or Machil. Government schools operate in geographies where private institutions hesitate. Our teachers work in harsh, remote conditions and they deserve recognition—not just comparisons,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister lauded students who presented innovative, real-world solutions at the conference exhibition, from water conservation and low-plastic alternatives to winter-proof water systems. “Our children don’t lack intelligence or creativity. They lack exposure and opportunities. Their innovation gives us reason to believe we are on the right path,” he said.
Stressing the need for inclusion in education, he questioned whether the current system is truly accessible to children with physical or learning challenges. “Every child deserves a chance. This conference is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done,” he said.
Referring to the digital divide and debates over school holidays and exam schedules, the Chief Minister said the deep societal connection to education also demands thoughtful policymaking. “As our financial capacity improves, so will our ability to bridge these digital gaps,” he added.
In a strong message to the teaching community, he said, “You are not just delivering a curriculum—you are shaping citizens, instilling values, and building futures. The future of J&K is in your classrooms.”
Earlier, Omar Abdullah visited stalls put up by government schools, where students demonstrated hands-on models. He interacted with the children and their teachers, praising their efforts to translate classroom learning into tangible solutions.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo, in her address, noted that education reform was among the first priorities of the current government. “Our goal is to create a system that is future-ready, inclusive, and rooted in equity,” she said.
Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST), Prof. Shakeel Romshoo, and Secretary, School Education, Ram Niwas Sharma also addressed the gathering. Both officials shared insights into the ongoing implementation of NEP-2020 and challenges faced by institutions.
The conference was attended by a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including senior bureaucrats, academicians, NEP experts, CEOs, teachers, and students. Among them were Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta, J&K Bank CEO Amitava Chatterjee, Times of India Group Director Rohit Sharma, and Director School Education Kashmir, Dr G.N. Itoo.
On the sidelines of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IUST and the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir, to promote academic collaboration and strengthen school–university linkages in the region.
The day-long conference ended with a collective call to educators: to align the spirit of NEP with the unique needs of Jammu and Kashmir, and to build an education system that is not only academically strong but socially rooted and forward-looking.
