The School Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir has earned national praise for its exceptional performance at the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam held in New Delhi. The department showcased innovative steps taken to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, especially in government schools across the Union Territory. Among all the participants, J&K’s initiatives stood out for their impact, quality, and focus on inclusivity.
I felt this story needed to be highlighted because Jammu and Kashmir often gets media attention for political reasons, but rarely for achievements in education. At a time when NEP 2020 is transforming how India learns, J&K has shown that strong governance and sincere groundwork can produce visible results, even in areas with difficult geography or limited resources. This recognition is not just about awards but about building confidence in a system where students, teachers, and communities are coming together to bring real change. Writing about such examples is important to inspire other states and celebrate efforts that often go unnoticed.
Highlights from J&K’s Presentation at the Samagam
The Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam was a two-day national-level gathering organised to mark three years of NEP 2020. It brought together education experts, state-level officers, and policymakers to discuss how well the policy is being implemented. J&K’s School Education Department set up a special stall at the event which received a huge response.
Here are some of the key features that were appreciated:
- Teacher Training via JKSCERT: More than 2.5 lakh teachers have been trained under different NEP-related modules through the State Council of Educational Research and Training.
- Foundation Literacy & Numeracy (FLN) Drive: Government schools in J&K have made major progress in improving basic reading and arithmetic skills among young children.
- Inclusive Education: Several schools have been upgraded with ramps, Braille kits, and learning aids for specially-abled students.
- Community Involvement: Village Education Committees and Panchayats have been actively involved in school development and monitoring.
- Curriculum in Regional Languages: Class 1 to 5 textbooks have been redesigned in local languages like Urdu and Kashmiri for better understanding.
- Digital Learning Tools: The department has launched online apps and smart classrooms in over 1,200 government schools.
What Makes This Recognition Special
For a region like Jammu and Kashmir, implementing NEP 2020 has been a challenge due to its remote terrain, scattered populations, and sometimes interrupted connectivity. Yet, the School Education Department has managed to make visible progress by focusing on practical changes rather than big announcements.
One standout initiative is the Aao School Chalein Campaign, which has helped bring thousands of out-of-school children back into classrooms. The campaign also ensures follow-ups so that students don’t drop out again. Another big step was starting Bal Sabhas or student-led assemblies, which encourage leadership and communication skills from a young age.
I think what sets J&K apart is how the department didn’t wait for perfect conditions but started working with what they had. By training teachers in small batches, involving parents regularly, and using radio in areas with no internet, they made sure education reached every child.
What the Rest of India Can Learn
The recognition at the Samagam is more than just a pat on the back. It gives a clear message that results come from consistent local efforts. While tech-based models are being discussed everywhere, J&K’s use of simple but effective community-based models can be replicated in other rural areas.
Here’s what other states can pick up from J&K:
| Initiative | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Village-level monitoring | Keeps schools accountable and connected to local needs |
| Multilingual textbooks | Helps children understand concepts better in early classes |
| Teacher-centric training | Improves classroom delivery without depending too much on tech |
| Special drives like “Back to School” | Increases enrolment and reduces dropout |
End Note
Jammu and Kashmir’s success story at the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam proves that meaningful reform doesn’t always need big budgets, but it definitely needs committed leadership and local involvement. NEP 2020 is not just a policy; it’s a journey, and J&K has already taken some big steps in the right direction. As someone who closely follows education news, I feel stories like this deserve more attention — not just for recognition, but for the hope they carry for millions of students across India.
