Opinion | How NEP 2020 is Shaping Learning in Jammu and Kashmir

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is one of the most important changes made to the Indian education system in decades. It is not just a new rulebook but a vision for the future, a future where learning is more flexible, creative, and connected to real life. For a region like Jammu and Kashmir, where students face many unique challenges due to geography, infrastructure, and socio-political issues, the NEP has brought a fresh wave of hope and possibility. The changes brought by this policy are slowly but surely reshaping the way children learn, teachers teach, and schools function across the area.

One of the biggest changes introduced by NEP 2020 is the emphasis on early childhood care and education (ECCE). Previously, formal schooling in Jammu and Kashmir would typically begin around age six, which meant many children were entering school without the basic skills needed for learning. NEP 2020 encourages learning to start from age three, focusing on the foundational years through play-based, activity based education. Anganwadi centres and pre-schools are being upgraded to become more child friendly and better equipped. This is especially important in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir where access to early education has been limited. By investing in young learners from the start, the policy is helping to build stronger educational foundations that can support long term growth.

Instead of just focusing on exams and memorization, students are being encouraged to explore, ask questions, and engage in extracurricular activities. This change has the potential to reduce dropout rates and improve interest in learning, especially among younger children who may otherwise feel lost in the traditional system.

Language is also a key area of focus in the new policy. NEP 2020 recommends that the medium of instruction, especially in the early years, should be the child’s mother tongue or local language. In Jammu and Kashmir, this means more students are learning in Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, or Ladakhi, depending on the region. This approach not only makes learning easier and more natural for children but also helps in preserving local cultures and languages. Teachers and parents have observed that children learn faster and with more confidence when they understand the language used in the classroom. Although implementing this fully has its challenges such as training teachers and updating textbooks, the cultural and emotional benefits are already being felt.

Technology is another area where NEP 2020 is making a strong impact. The digital divide has been a major issue in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in mountainous and remote regions where internet access can be unreliable or entirely missing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this gap became even more visible. However, the NEP has pushed the government and local authorities to prioritize digital learning. Efforts are now being made to provide smart classrooms, online teaching tools, and digital libraries to schools. Even in remote areas, schools are beginning to use solar powered devices and offline learning tools to ensure that no child is left behind. These changes are not just making learning more accessible, but also more engaging and interactive.

One of the criticisms of the earlier education system was that it focused too much on academics and did not prepare students for real-life jobs or skills. Now, students in Jammu and Kashmir are being introduced to practical subjects such as carpentry, gardening, tailoring, basic electronics, and even coding. These subjects are introduced from as early as Grade 6 and continue through high school. This kind of learning is especially helpful in Jammu and Kashmir, where traditional skills and crafts can become strong sources of income. By mixing academics with vocational training, NEP is making education more useful and meaningful for students and their families.

Higher education in Jammu and Kashmir is also undergoing transformation. The NEP supports a flexible curriculum in universities and introduces multiple exit options. For example, a student who completes one year of college can now receive a certificate, two years earn a diploma, and so on. This is helpful in situations where students may need to leave education temporarily due to financial or personal reasons. Moreover, universities are encouraged to become more multidisciplinary meaning students can study science, arts, and technology all in one place. This flexibility allows students to follow their interests and shape their own futures. Research and innovation are also being promoted, with more funding and support being given to local colleges and universities.

Teacher training is another major focus of the NEP. It recognizes that teachers are the heart of the education system, and unless they are trained and motivated, no policy will work on the ground. In Jammu and Kashmir, new training programs are being held regularly to help teachers learn modern methods of teaching, child psychology, and how to use digital tools in the classroom. These trainings also help teachers understand the diverse needs of students in the region, especially those from remote or conflict affected backgrounds. Better trained teachers mean better learning outcomes and more confident students.

Finally, the NEP promotes inclusion and equality. It aims to give every child, no matter where they live or what background they come from, a fair chance at quality education. In Jammu and Kashmir, this means building more schools in rural areas, providing transport for children who live far away, giving scholarships to girls and children from tribal communities, and making classrooms more friendly for students with disabilities. The government is also encouraging community involvement in schools so that parents and local leaders can take part in shaping their children’s education.

In short, the National Education Policy 2020 is slowly but surely changing the face of education in Jammu and Kashmir. By focusing on early education, local languages, digital access, vocational skills, and teacher development, it is creating a more student friendly and future ready system. While challenges such as lack of infrastructure, digital gaps, and teacher shortages remain, the direction is clear and hopeful. With continuous support from the government, education system, and communities, NEP 2020 has the potential to transform learning in Jammu and Kashmir and open the doors to a brighter, more equal future for every child.

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