The education system in Jammu and Kashmir is going through a serious transformation with a strong focus on quality learning and teacher responsibility. Recently, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo highlighted how improving teaching standards and holding educators accountable are the key pillars of the reforms being rolled out across the Union Territory. From better infrastructure to data-driven evaluation of teacher performance, the administration is aiming to raise the overall standard of school education in J&K.
I’m writing about this because education reform in a region like Jammu and Kashmir holds deeper significance. For years, many students in far-flung areas of the Union Territory didn’t have access to proper schools, qualified teachers or even basic classroom facilities. Now, there’s a push from the administration to fix this—step by step. It’s important to talk about it, because when education improves in conflict-affected or remote regions, it gives hope to children and parents who have long been waiting for change. This move can set an example for other states to follow, especially in ensuring that quality is not just a promise but a monitored outcome.
Education Reform Rooted in Ground Realities
The J&K administration has adopted a two-pronged strategy—focusing on improving quality of education while also ensuring teacher accountability. According to Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, the entire education department is being restructured to bring visible changes that are not limited to paperwork.
Here’s what’s being done:
- Teacher performance will be tracked using measurable indicators like student learning outcomes, attendance, lesson plans, and classroom discipline
- A new digital attendance system has been introduced to check irregularities
- More focus is being placed on timely syllabus completion and proper exam assessment
- District-level monitoring teams are being formed to regularly inspect government schools
The idea is simple—teachers must deliver and schools must perform. If not, there will be consequences.
Focus on Quality Infrastructure and Training
Apart from accountability, the J&K government is also investing in:
- Smart classrooms and modern labs in higher secondary schools
- Toilets and drinking water facilities in all primary and middle schools
- Regular teacher training sessions to align teaching styles with modern methods
- Introduction of vocational subjects to make students more job-ready after school
The push is not just for urban centres like Jammu and Srinagar. Villages in border areas and tribal belts are also seeing new schools and upgrades to old ones.
Accountability Is Not Just About Punishment
One key point Chief Secretary Dulloo made is that accountability should not be seen as just a punishment system. Instead, it’s about encouraging and rewarding good teachers. Teachers who perform well will get recognised and promoted, while those who don’t meet the expected standards will be given clear warnings and chances to improve.
He also mentioned that the PRABANDH portal is being used to monitor data from all government schools. This allows for real-time updates about everything—from dropout rates to classroom strength.
Student Outcomes as the Final Goal
The administration has made it clear that the reforms are not about filling up government reports—they are about real improvement in student learning. Regular tests and student feedback mechanisms are being implemented to check whether children are actually learning and understanding what is taught in class.
Also, there’s a push to reduce dropout rates by identifying at-risk students and offering them support, like counselling or bridge courses.
Community Participation Matters
The success of any education reform depends not just on the government but also on the involvement of local communities. The J&K administration is now encouraging parents, panchayat members, and local leaders to participate in school development committees and raise concerns whenever needed.
By making the process more open and participatory, the aim is to make schools more accountable to the people they serve.
