NEP-2020 to transform education sector in J&K, aims to make region an educational hub

Srinagar, March 24: The National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 is set to transform the education sector across India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir by introducing key reforms and initiatives aimed at early childhood education, digital learning, and vocational training, Said DSEK, Dr. G.N. Itoo.

Addressing a one-day conference on ‘NEP-2020 and Flexibility in Curriculum and Integration of Vocational Education’ in Ganderbal, Director School Education Kashmir Dr. G.N. Itoo, emphasized that the policy is not just a framework but a vision document that will serve as a game changer for education in the region. He highlighted that the initiatives outlined in the recent budget will help establish Jammu and Kashmir as an “Educational Hub.”

Dr. Itoo announced that under NEP-2020, 15,000 pre-primary schools will be developed under early childhood education, with a target enrolment of 180,000 children, 600 ICT labs, 2,000 smart classrooms, and 52 Tinkering labs will also be established to promote digital learning.

He said, 46,000 out-of-school children, with a special focus on girls' education, will be brought back into the education system under the Universal Education initiative.

As demand for skilled workforce all over world keeps increasing, Dr. Itoo said, skill-based training will be introduced in schools to equip students with practical knowledge for real-world applications.
He further announced that awareness programs will be conducted in all 374 clusters of the Kashmir Valley to educate students and parents about the benefits of the policy.

Prof. Mushtaq Ahmed Siddiqui, Chief Coordinator NEP-2020 (University of Kashmir), and Prof. Syed Afshana, Co-ordinator DYD (University of Kashmir) also emphasized the relevance of the NEP-2020 in the modern era. They discussed various tools and strategies needed to tackle challenges during its grassroots-level implementation.

The conference, held at Boys Higher Secondary School Ganderbal, provided a platform to discuss NEP-2020’s impact and the government’s vision for the future of education in Jammu and Kashmir. (Media agencies)