Recently, several reports surfaced claiming that the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department had made Sanskrit a compulsory subject in government schools. These reports triggered widespread confusion and debate, especially on social media. In response, the department has now officially clarified that these reports are misleading and factually incorrect. It stated that there has been no change in the language policy, and no such direction has been issued to include Sanskrit in the school curriculum of Jammu and Kashmir.
I’m writing about this because such fake news stories can easily create unnecessary tension, especially in a region like Jammu and Kashmir, where education policies are closely watched. It’s important for parents, teachers, and students to get accurate information directly from the concerned authorities. If a rumour like this is left unchecked, it can lead to false assumptions about policy changes and distract us from real education reforms. This issue also brings out a bigger point—how important it is for media to verify facts before publishing sensitive content related to education or language policy.
J&K Education Department Sets the Record Straight
The School Education Department, Jammu and Kashmir, issued an official statement clarifying that the claims about Sanskrit being made compulsory in the school curriculum are totally baseless. The department said that the curriculum followed in government schools remains the same and there is no directive, verbal or written, about introducing Sanskrit as a mandatory subject.
The clarification came after a few online platforms and social media posts claimed that government schools had started including Sanskrit in their teaching. Some even alleged that this was being done at the cost of other regional languages. These reports quickly went viral, prompting reactions from parents, teachers, and even political commentators.
What Subjects Are Actually Offered?
As per current norms, the school curriculum in J&K includes:
- English and Urdu as compulsory languages
- Hindi, Kashmiri, Dogri, Gojri, Pahari, Punjabi, and Bodhi as optional subjects depending on the region
- Sanskrit is not included in any formal subject list for government schools, though students may choose it at higher levels if offered by CBSE or other boards
The department has clarified that students are free to choose optional languages based on availability and interest, but no language has been made compulsory beyond the standard guidelines.
Importance of Clarity in Education Policy
Language has always been a sensitive subject in education policy, especially in diverse states like Jammu and Kashmir. Misleading reports can easily cause confusion and distrust among communities. When one language is falsely reported as being given preference over others, it can lead to unnecessary political and social debates.
That’s why it’s so important that communication from the education department remains transparent, and that media outlets verify facts before publishing. In this case, the department responded promptly, but the damage caused by the fake news still led to public anxiety.
Why This Matters for Parents and Students
For parents and students in Jammu and Kashmir, knowing the actual curriculum and policies helps them make informed decisions. Misinformation about compulsory subjects can affect how parents guide their children and how teachers plan lessons. For students preparing for board exams or competitive tests, any confusion over the syllabus can directly impact their performance.
In a state working to rebuild and improve its education system post-reorganisation, stability and clarity in academic planning is crucial. Irresponsible reporting only derails this effort.
