Old wine in new bottles: J&K government claims to set up 40 integrated schools

Education School Education

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-03-07 18:27:56 | Last Updated by admin_kas on 2025-08-14 18:50:48

Share: WhatsApp| Facebook| Twitter| Visits: 207

---

Muhammad Adnan

Srinagar, March 07:

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while presented his budget on Friday in the Legislative Assembly said the government will transform the education landscape of education sector with up-gradation of 40 schools as integrated K-12 institutions.

He said the J&K K-12 was the new initiative taken by the government wherein 40 government higher secondary schools—one boys’ and one girls’ school per district will be developed into integrated K-12 institutions.

"By rationalizing nearby primary and middle schools, we will ensure seamless, uninterrupted education from primary to higher secondary under a single administration," CM Omar Abdullah said.

However, the much hyped initiative appeared to be like putting old wine in new bottles.

The initiative was taken by the then PDP led coalition government by launching de-walling of schools and merge all the primary and upper primary schools with the high secondary schools to ensure that students receive education up to class 12th under single administration.

Omar Abdullah said the "new reform", duly aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) will enhance teacher specialisation, optimize resource utilization, and improve infrastructure, significantly reducing dropout rates and strengthening school governance.

"This initiative, at a total cost of Rs 180 crore, will be piloted over a period of two years, with funding from the State Education Budget, PM SHRI Schools Scheme, and potential CSR and PPP partnerships," Omar Abdullah said.

He said each school will receive upgraded classrooms, smart learning facilities, advanced laboratories, vocational training labs, and better sports and sanitation infrastructure.

"A structured implementation plan will begin with a pilot in 15 schools in the first year, followed by phased expansion, ensuring efficient execution and measurable impact," he said.

He said that a Special Task Force under the education department will be formed to oversee this transformation. "The task force will be supported by district-level committees led by Deputy Commissioners," he said.

He said that regular performance audits and learning assessments will be conducted to track progress.

"This initiative will serve as a model for educational excellence, paving the way for state-wide adoption of the K-12 system in government schools and ensuring that every child in J&K receives quality, uninterrupted education in a well-equipped learning environment," he said and proposed an outlay of Rs 50 crore in the Budget for this initiative.

He said 46000 out-of-school children have been identified, enrolled, and mainstreamed in order to achieve universal education.

"Special emphasis is being given to girls’ education, along with improving punctuality and discipline among teaching staff," he said.

He said the J&K government was committed to transforming J&K into an educational hub by fully implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and introducing four-year undergraduate programs in all colleges.

"Infrastructure and services in Degree Colleges will be enhanced. Additionally, polytechnic colleges are being strengthened with 600 additional seats to expand technical education opportunities," he said.

He said the J&K government will roll out a policy to attract private investment in higher education.

"Efforts will be made to encourage renowned private universities to establish satellite campuses in J&K, creating large-scale education and employment opportunities for the youth," he said.

He said the J&K Government was committed to strengthening early childhood education by developing 15000 pre-primary schools with an enrolment target of 1.80 lakh children.

"To enhance research and quality education, we are leveraging technology and digitization through smart classrooms, Atal Tinkering Labs, and digital resources," he said.

He said 600 ICT Labs, 2,000 smart classrooms, and 500 Atal Tinkering Labs are being set up to foster innovation and improve the overall educational ecosystem.

"Under the PM-SHRI scheme, 396 schools in Jammu & Kashmir have been approved for up gradation to enhance educational infrastructure," he said.

Go!