Education Minister defends JKBOSE curriculum, says J&K schools at par with other states

Education Minister defends JKBOSE curriculum, says J&K schools at par with other states

Addressing students, the minister lauded talent in government schools, emphasising the need to recognise and appreciate it.

Baramulla, Oct 21: The minister for education, Sakina Itoo, on Monday defended the curriculum and syllabus prescribed by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE), asserting that schools in the Union Territory are on par with those in other states.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Annual Day function at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Baramulla, where she also e-inaugurated several development projects, Itoo said, “Our syllabus, prescribed by JKSCERT and JKBOSE, is among the best in line with the National Education Policy 2020. We are at par with other states.”

Her statement comes amid criticism from stakeholders over the quality of content and textbooks provided by JKBOSE. She cited recent achievements of J&K students in competitive exams such as NEET and JEE, adding, “Success in these exams is only possible when students follow the same syllabus in schools.”

Addressing complaints regarding private schools charging donation or admission fees for kindergarten, the minister said the government has already constituted a Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) and urged parents to register their complaints with the committee.

On the delay in appointments for the JKBOSE chairman and Director SCERT, Itoo said, “The process is ongoing.” She avoided queries regarding lopsided Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) and the vacancy of 200 principal posts, stating that many key positions, including ZEOs and CEOs, were filled after she assumed charge, and rationalisation of staff is ongoing. “We are aware of vacant posts, but they will be filled. What was not done in the last 10 years cannot be achieved in a single year,” she said.

Addressing students, the minister lauded talent in government schools, emphasising the need to recognise and appreciate it. “The way students have made and explained their projects shows that government schools have the best talent, which often goes unacknowledged. We must acknowledge and appreciate this rather than praising private schools disproportionately,” she said.

She encouraged students to cherish their higher secondary years, praising girl students for excelling despite challenges. Itoo also commended the School Education Department for progress made over the past year, including infrastructure improvements, DPC meetings, advertising lecturer posts, and ongoing de-freezing of vacancies.

Extending best wishes for the upcoming board exams, she warned that underperforming schools would face action. “Schools that do not perform well will have to face action. This is essential to improve education standards,” she said.