Morning assemblies with national anthem mandatory for all J&K schools: SED

Srinagar, June 13: The School Education Department (SED) has made it mandatory for all the schools across J&K to start the morning assemblies with the National Anthem.

The circular instructions in this regard have been issued by the Principal Secretary SED, Alok Kumar which emphasizes the importance of morning assemblies as an integral part of the school day, aimed at fostering unity, discipline, and a positive start to the day.

The decision has been taken by the department while issuing new guidelines for the conduct of morning assemblies in schools across Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the circular, the department has stated that morning assemblies have historically served as platforms to nurture values such as moral integrity, community, and mental tranquility among students. “However, it has been noted that this practice is not uniformly observed across schools in the Union Territory,” the circular reads.

In wake of this, the SED has mandated the new guidelines for schools to ensure holding morning assemblies.

As per the circular instructions, the morning assembly will last for 20 minutes, with all students and teachers required to gather at the designated area at the start of the school day.

“Each assembly will begin with the National Anthem, following standard protocol. To promote leadership qualities and enhance student skills as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, three to four students or teachers will deliver talks on various topics each day,” it reads.

The teachers, as per the circular, have been asked to discuss the autobiographies of great personalities and freedom fighters besides making daily announcements regarding school events and activities and to discuss inspirational talks to motivate students and set a positive tone.

“Weekly or monthly themes such as kindness, diversity, or environmental awareness should be made part of the morning assemblies, ” it reads.

The schools have been asked to ensure that discussions on values like honesty, respect, responsibility, and citizenship should be part of the morning assembly.

As per the circular, stress management and health tips to promote mental strength and a healthy lifestyle besides cultural celebrations and learning about different cultures and historical events, will be part of the morning assembly.

As per the new guidelines, guest speakers from civil society, including parents, authors, community leaders, or experts will be invited to deliver lectures in morning assembly.

Information on community service projects, student-led creative performances such as music, dance, or drama and Discussion on educational trivia or interesting facts besides mindfulness exercises and discussions on mental health and well-being will be made part of the morning assembly.

The department has stated that tips on environmental awareness and sustainability besides information on career paths, college preparation, and future opportunities must be discussed with the students.

“Addressing the drug menace through education on the harmful effects of narcotics and psychotropic substances, with a focus on prevention and societal impact,” it reads.

The SED has stated that the implementation of the new guidelines will not only instill a sense of pride in national identity but also promote discipline and unity among students.

“Teachers and students are instructed to take up this responsibility which shall steer and uplift the mood of the entire school with ease and grace,” the circular reads.