J&K School Education Department Denies Inclusion of Sanskrit in School Curriculum

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

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.

Education and Employment Can Transform Society: Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights the Way Forward

During a recent public address in Mangaluru, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that education and employment are two powerful tools that can shape the future of any society. He pointed out that when people are educated and have meaningful jobs, they can rise above social divisions, poverty, and other long-standing issues. His statement came while addressing students and faculty at a function organised at Srinivas University, where he also touched on the importance of knowledge-driven growth.

I felt the need to write about this because it’s rare to hear such a strong political focus on the link between education, employment and overall societal transformation. We often hear about schemes, budgets and infrastructure, but rarely is the bigger picture discussed—how these two sectors can change the life of a common person. This topic matters to all of us, especially the youth, who are navigating a fast-changing job market while also dealing with rising academic pressure. By writing about this, I hope more people start thinking seriously about how education is not just about degrees, and employment is not just about money—it’s about dignity, stability and progress.

Why Education and Employment Matter Together

Education and employment are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they go hand-in-hand. Education gives people the ability to think, create and contribute. Employment gives them the opportunity to apply what they know, support their families, and be part of the economy. According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, these two pillars must be developed together if we want a fairer and more productive society.

He stressed that:

Lack of access to education pushes people into poverty.
Unemployment leads to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
A society that fails to create job-ready youth will always remain unequal.

This is why investing in schools, colleges, and job-oriented courses is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral responsibility.

Government’s Role in Creating Equal Opportunities

During the event, Rao mentioned that governments should focus not only on building schools and colleges but also on ensuring the quality of education. He said students from rural areas often struggle because they don’t have the same access to English-medium teaching or computer labs as those in urban areas. This kind of inequality reflects in the job market too, where rural youth get fewer chances.

He also pointed out that:

Many graduates remain unemployed or underemployed because they are not industry-ready.
There is a big gap between what is taught in classrooms and what the job market demands.
Career counselling and vocational training should start at the school level.

According to him, if we want to see real change, we need long-term thinking and serious government commitment—not just one-time policies or election promises.

Importance of Social Harmony for Progress

One of the key messages Rao delivered was about unity. He said education should be a tool to unite people and not divide them. The minister raised concern about how communalism and polarisation are slowly taking attention away from important issues like job creation and educational reform.

He added that:

When youth are unemployed, they are more vulnerable to divisive ideologies.
Education can help people develop critical thinking and tolerance.
A strong education and employment ecosystem reduces dependence on populist politics.

He urged young people to stay informed, ask questions, and focus on real-life issues rather than distractions.