J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for filling gaps and removing disparities with regard to languages being taught in schools of the two regions of J&K - Kashmir and Jammu. The CM has also flagged concern over what he described as persistent disparities in subject availability and staffing in the educational institutions which is taking toll on the system.
Pertinently, majority of schools in Kashmir do not teach Hindi as important subject of learning and likewise a similar scene is in Jammu schools where Urdu is not given priority as a learning medium. As a result, despite being in one UT, students of both the regions show huge disparities in the language learning.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said many government schools and colleges continue to struggle with faculty shortages that limit subject offerings. “In Jammu, only a few schools offer Urdu; in Kashmir, few offer Hindi. Even regional languages like Kashmiri, Dogri, or Punjabi are taught in a very limited number of institutions,” he said, adding, “These gaps need to be filled gradually, within our available resources.”
Omar said this while addressia one-day conference on NEP-2020 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), themed “Empowering Education Leaders for Holistic Education,” in which laid thrust on the importance of inclusive, accessible, and locally relevant education.
He also addressed comparisons between private and government institutions, noting that government schools often serve the most remote and underserved areas.“Setting up a school in Srinagar is easy. Try opening one in Gurez, Tangdhar, or Machil. Our teachers work in extreme conditions, far from the spotlight, and they deserve our recognition,” he remarked.Earlier, the Chief Minister visited an exhibition held at the venue, where students showcased innovative models addressing real-life issues such as water conservation, climate change, low-plastic alternatives, and winter-specific water piping systems.
“Our children don’t lack talent—they lack exposure and opportunity,” Abdullah said.“Their creativity, thinking, and innovation give us hope that we are moving in the right direction.”On inclusivity, he stressed the need to ensure education is accessible to children with physical or learning challenges. “Every child deserves a chance to learn. This workshop is a good step toward that inclusive vision,” he said.
Touching on the broader social connection with education, the Chief Minister pointed out how decisions on school holidays, exams, or online learning spark widespread household debates—reflecting education’s central role in society.
He also acknowledged the challenges posed by the digital divide. “As our financial capacity grows, we will intensify efforts to bridge the digital gap, ensuring equitable access to technology,” he added.
Calling NEP-2020 a “magnificent and far-reaching” document, Omar Abdullah said its success depends on how well it is understood and implemented at the grassroots level.“The policy is now five years old. This is the time to evaluate our successes, identify gaps, and course-correct where necessary. A policy is only as effective as its application,” he said.
Follow us
