Javeed Beigh
The theory of “Old is Gold” is again seems to be making highlight with the decision of department of School Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir to change the academic session of schools in the Kashmir division and winter zone areas of Jammu division from Nov month to Mar and also along with it holding annual examinations of class X, XI and XII in Mar 2023 when school would be reopening after 75 days of winter vacation. With this move of government, a big step is already taken to bring the academic schedule of the UT to par with most of the states in the country.
It is also pertinent to recall that Jammu and Kashmir already had this functioning of March session till 1974-75. However, it had been changed in 1975 after recommendation of Baghwan Sahay Committee constituted by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in 1971. But with time lot of infrastructure development took place, even roads have reached till farthest of villages situated at LC. Earlier due to constraints of snow bound areas and lack of infrastructural development it was suggested to change the academic session from March month to Nov month, so that education is accessible to everyone – even if someone is living at higher ridges. After 47 yrs of this policy being in vogue it was necessary to change this keeping in mind the present context of taking Jammu and Kashmir UT in par with rest of the states. Higher Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir has already adopted the National Academic Calendar, so the students and the parents were eagerly waiting for the government to clear the clouds on the issue. This move of government is praised by all the intellectuals of academic faculty.
Government after mulling over the new policy since last few months have given this decision. Rather it be private or government school, everyone in teaching body is in favour of the decision and praising the landmark decision. Few of the advantages that will lead to the refinement of the education system in Jammu and Kashmir due to the upcoming changes. Till now due to exam being held in Nov month of the year, schedule was not in sync with the national exam schedule of Mar month. The discontent of locals for being treated in isolation when it comes to implementation of government policies would be tackled to some extent. Also, it gives an opportunity to children for changing of school in mid of year if his parents are shifting out of Jammu and Kashmir, which would not be possible earlier. Despite of taking their class 10th or 12th exam in November, students who wanted to enrol in professional courses outside UT, have to wait until the new academic term of those universities starts their session in July. But now with this change students of Jammu and Kashmir have this opportunity to not waste their precious time and can be in sync with the other students studying in different parts of the country. Students of Jammu and Kashmir now don’t have to wait for the next year to take part in competitive examinations like JEE, NEET, CAT, MAT and likewise. Now they can utilise the same year to appear in these exams, consequently saving time for their studies. This move follows the government decision to simultaneously implement the National Education Policy – 2020. Although the Higher Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir is already working over it but it was long awaited for the School Education Department. In this context Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta already presided a high-level meeting in April this year to discuss and assess the strategies for implementing NEP. Because of the long winter vacations of 75 days between December and March month students can prepare better for the exams at their homes. Even if some fundamentals that would be unclear to the could be clear during the vacation with the help of home tuitions.
Although the decision has been taken but still a long way to go for the education department and specially for the students and teachers. The complete curriculum has to be shifted; humongous efforts are already in place from the policy makers to make this transition a smooth journey instead of a treacherous one.
Schools are already gearing up to implement the new decision and have passed the directives to students for start preparing their academics as per the new schedule. Challenges waiting at the hand of schools are described as since this year has already almost passed and most of the syllabus would have been covered. Now schools have to conduct classes again and make students ready to for the exams in March month next year. Schools have to be prepared to conduct exams for places that are isolated due to heavy snow in winters at later part of the month after clearing of snow. This increases the commitment of teachers and the management staff.
The evolving dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir have made this necessary even for the education system to be in line with the changing scenario and work in tandem to make a paradigm shift not only in the quality of education but also in terms of opportunities window available for the students of other states. But were devoid off for students of Jammu and Kashmir.
