SED points out inconsistencies in JKBOSE textbooks

Srinagar, Oct 14: In a major development concerning the academics in schools, the School Education Department (SED) has pointed out inconsistencies in textbooks prepared by the JK Board of School Education (JKBOSE).

The development came to fore in the review meeting earlier chaired by the Principal Secretary SED wherein the JKBOSE officials while delivering a PowerPoint presentation informed the administrative department that it was developing and reviewing the textbooks of different classes through a team of experts, in line with the recommendations of NEP 2020 and National Curriculum Frameworks (NCFs)

As per the official document, the administrative department while taking a review of the textbooks pointed out various inconsistencies in the books.

"Certain suggestions were made in the presentation to change the non-changeable content of the books. The chair issued directions to re-examine the books and ensure that the content incorporated by NCERT is preserved in the textbooks to be developed by JKBOSE," the official document reads.

The JKBOSE was asked to incorporate State flavor and material as needed and stipulated by National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

"It was further directed that content to be modified and contextualised (20 percent local content) is placed at the end of the chapter or book, in a manner which will minimise the chances of cost escalation and change in the number of pages or volumes of the textbooks," the official document reads.

As already reported, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has framed an advisory to all the schools for the implementation of the NCF for School Education-2023 in schools

The advisory issued on August 14 of 2024 emphasises the development of conceptual understanding, critical thinking, creativity, values and dispositions as central to student learning.

The NCERT in its advisory has stressed on equal emphasis on all the students taught in schools.

Meanwhile, the JKBOSE has been already directed by the Administrative department that the exercise of printing textbooks should be completed within time and before the commencement of the next academic session to ensure availability of “good quality” textbooks in schools.

In case of any delay in printing of textbooks, the SED has asked JKBOSE that necessary alternative measures should be made to avoid hue and cry by parents and private schools.