Srinagar: The process of appointing a new Chairman for the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) remains stalled, even as the incumbent’s two-year term ended on January 24, 2025.
This is to be seen as crucial time as end term exams are approaching, while schools will reopen and the most importantly availability of textbooks is also must be monitored. But the chairman’s ending term has kept these main issues looming in the air.
The J&K government had reconstituted a search committee on December 13, 2024, to recommend candidates for the positions of JKBOSE Chairman and Director of the Jammu and Kashmir State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). The committee is led by the Administrative Secretary of the Agricultural Production Department, with members from the School Education Department (SED), General Administration Department (GAD), and Higher Education Department (HED). Additionally, the Vice Chancellors of the University of Kashmir (KU) and the University of Jammu (JU) are part of the panel. According to the official order, the School Education Department is responsible for assisting the committee.
Despite this, there has been no development in finalizing a new appointment.
It was seen in the past, after the Chairman’s term ending, either the Secretary JKBOSE or the Administrative Secretary of SED would be given charge. However, no such order has been issued so far.
Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas was appointed as JKBOSE Chairman on deputation for two years, starting January 25, 2023. As per norms, he was expected to vacate the office on January 25, 2025.
With winter vacations marking the transition between academic sessions, several key decisions are pending. Experts say, “this period is crucial for JKBOSE, particularly for textbook publications and other academic planning”.
Experts turn delay in appointment of chairman as concerning, expert in education and president of the Private School Associations, GN Var, said that the delay in appointing a chairman for JKBOSE is very concerning, as it comes at a crucial time when over 300 NOCs are pending for schools on state land.
Apart from the NOCs, board exams are approaching, and textbook availability is essential. The work of the board office may remain affected until the chairman is appointed. It is important for the government to appoint the chairman as soon as possible, Var said.
When this correspondent tried to contact the Minister of Education, she did not respond to repeated calls. The story will be updated as soon as this correspondent receives any official statement on the matter. (JKNS)
