'Picnics crucial in NEP-2020 framework for promoting holistic student development but wellbeing of students a prime concern'
Muhammad Adnan
Srinagar, April 13:
The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for government and private recognised schools and coaching centres for planning picnics, outings and camps for the school children.
The instructions have been issued in wake of the tragic road accident of a Degree College bus in which students died while 25 were injured while travelling from Sogam to Pahalgam for picnic.
The SoPs have been issued following the advisory from Tourism Department, Kashmir and Traffic Police J&K.
"It has been felt imperative to issue Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Government and recognised private schools, and coaching centres in the interest of student's safety and wellbeing during such outings," the DSEK circular reads.
The schools have been asked to obtain consent from parents at least 10 days before the scheduled trip.
"High and Higher Secondary Schools should mandatorily get permission from the concerned Chief Education Officer (CEOs) while as Primary and Middle Schools from the concerned Zonal Education Officer," it reads.
The DSEK has stated that excursions and picnics were crucial as per the NEP-2020 framework for promoting holistic student development, experiential learning, and a more engaging educational experience.
"Picnics offer a break from the traditional classroom setting, encouraging social interaction, team building, and real-world learning opportunities but at the same time we need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the students which needs to be our prime concern during these pace setting exercises," read the circular instructions.
The Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) have been asked to grant permission to the schools which hire licensed transport operators approved by the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD).
"Parents should be informed about the purpose of the trip, timing, destination, and items to carry. The visiting spot should be selected on the basis of its educational implications to derive maximum benefit to the students and teachers about their learning teaching," it reads.
The schools have been asked to depute one active staff member, in advance to the proposed place to coordinate with the development authority and local administration under whom the proposed place falls.
"All the school staff should be given the full responsibility of the activities related to discipline and safety of students during the picnic. Senior staff members should not skip this outing but guide other staff members properly," the DSEK circular reads.
As per the SoPs, the schools have been asked not to leave before 8.00 am for picnic and should return their respective homes by 6 pm.
"Schools should ensure adequate supervision with a minimum ratio of 1 teacher per 15 students for escorting them. First aid kits must be carried on all trips, and at least one staff member should be trained in basic first aid," it reads.
The schools have been directed that emergency contact numbers and health information for all students must be available with staff.
"Educational institution shall cooperate with police and security agencies deployed for maintenance of law and order. Educational institution shall not allow the students to venture or play near the water bodies, restricted areas, forest areas or any such place which may prove dangerous or shall be conflicting with the wild animals," it reads.
The schools have been asked to hired authorised and licensed transport operators approved by Motor Vehicle Department and should possess all the requisite certificates.
"Vehicles must be in good condition with proper documentation, including registration, insurance and fitness certificates. The escort drivers must have valid driving license," it reads.
It reads that escort teachers must ensure that nobody should be allowed to encourage thrilling driving during the travel and the speed must be strictly maintained as per the prescribed limits and road condition.
"Students should wear proper uniform and no student should be allowed to travel without proper school uniform. Students are expected to follow the code of conduct and behave responsibly at all times," it reads.
The schools have been asked to check weather advisory before planning outdoor activities and make arrangements for drinking water, sun protection, and hygienic food.
"Avoid destinations with potential health risks or unsafe conditions. Long distance picnics and outings shall be avoided for middle school level," it reads.
The DSEK has stated that the cooperation of all school staff is essential in ensuring that school outings or picnics remain safe, enjoyable, and educational experiences for students.
"The SOPs, as mentioned above, shall be followed in letter and spirit," it reads.
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
Srinagar, Feb 12: Jammu and Kashmir recorded over 15.48 lakh traffic violation cases in 2025, with authorities collecting more than Rs 34.17 crore as penalty under the Motor Vehicles Act, the Centre informed Parliament on Thursday. The information was shared in the Lok Sabha in response to a question raised by MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal. According to the official data, 15,48,525 challans were issued across the Union Territory in 2025, while the penalty amount recovered stood at Rs 34,17,36,740. The figures further show that in 2024, a total of 15,44,105 violations were registered with a penalty collection of around Rs 43.40 crore, while in 2023, 12,38,584 challans were issued and Rs 34.56 crore was collected. For the current year, till February 8, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 1,63,531 traffic violation cases, with revenue collection of about Rs 2.11 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that stricter penalties under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 are aimed at ensuring better compliance and deterrence. It also said that traffic enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of States and Union Territories. The government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for electronic monitoring and is promoting technology-driven enforcement through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras integrated with the VAHAN database. Awareness campaigns under the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan are also being carried out to improve road safety.
New Delhi, Jan 25: The Dental Council of India (DCI) has directed all universities and dental colleges across the country to strictly ensure a minimum of 80 percent biometric attendance for Post Graduate students before allowing them to appear in examinations. The decision has been taken to curb absenteeism among postgraduate dental students. According to a circular issued by the Dental Council of India-a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the decision has been taken after multiple complaints were received from dental colleges in Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh regarding non-attendance of PG students. "The matter was examined by the Grievance Sub-Committee of the DCI in its meeting held on November 24, 2025," the circular reads. It reads that after detailed discussion and deliberation, the committee recommended that all universities and dental colleges must ensure compliance with Regulation 18(a)(i) of the DCI Master of Dental Surgery Course Regulations, 2017, which mandates at least 80 per cent attendance. "The recommendation of the Grievance Sub-Committee has been approved by the Executive Committee of the Dental Council of India through circulation and has now been formally communicated for information and necessary action," the circular reads. As per the circular, all the universities and dental colleges have been directed to ensure minimum 80 per cent biometric attendance of all PG students before permitting them to appear in examinations. The order, issued by Deputy Secretary Dental Council of India Mukesh Kumar, is expected to be implemented with immediate effect across the country.
Srinagar, March 6: Around 17 candidates from Jammu and Kashmir have qualified the Civil Services Examination (CSE)-2025, the result for which was declared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday. The commission recommended a total of 958 candidates for appointment to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and various central services. Anuj Agnihotri, an MBBS graduate, has topped the civil services examination 2025, while Rajeshwari Suve M and Akansh Dhull have got the second and third ranks respectively. According to the official list released by the UPSC the 17 candidates from J&K who have figured in the final merit list include Suvan Sharma (Rank 148), Sugandha Gupta (207), Towseef Ganie (Rank 254), Ritika (Rank 456), Sooyash Shivam (Rank 572), Muneeb Parrah (Rank 581), Ghulam Din (Rank 683), Dwarka Gaadhi (Rank 721), Akash (Rank 747), Koh E Safa (Rank 763), Yasaar (Rank 811), Abhishek (Rank 820), Pankaj (Rank 856), Mohammad Ajaz (Rank 869), Azhar (Rank 886), Sarfraz (Rank 936), and Irfan (Rank 957). The results were declared after conducting the written examination in August 2025 followed by the personality tests (interviews) conducted between December 2025 and February 2026. As per the result notification issue by the UPSC, a total of 958 candidates have been recommended for appointment against 1087 vacancies reported by the government for the examination cycle. These include 180 vacancies in the IAS, 55 in the IFS, 150 in the IPS, 507 in Central Services Group A and 195 in Group B services. Of the total recommended candidates, 317 are from the general category, 104 from the economically weaker sections, 306 from other backward classes, 158 from scheduled castes and 73 from scheduled tribes. A consolidated reserve list of 258 candidates has also been published in accordance with the rules. The claims of recommended candidates regarding reservation categories will be subject to verification by the concerned authorities. The UPSC has stated that the candidature of 348 recommended candidates has been kept provisional, while the result of the two candidates has been kept withheld. The CSE is conducted annually in three stages- preliminary, Mains and interview by the UPSC to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. The civil services (preliminary) examination 2025 was conducted on May 25 of 2025. A total of 937876 candidates applied for this examination, out of which 5,76,793 actually appeared in the test. A total of 14,161 candidates qualified for appearance in the written (Main) examination which was held in August, 2025. Of these, 2736 candidates had qualified for the personality test (interview) of the examination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the candidates who qualified the UPSC exam. "Congratulations to all those who have successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination, 2025. Their dedication, perseverance and hard work have led to this significant milestone. Wishing them the very best as they embark on a journey of serving the nation and fulfilling the aspirations of the people," PM Modi wrote on his official X handle. "To those who may not have secured the desired outcome in the Civil Services Examination, I understand that such moments can be difficult. However, this is only one step in a larger journey. Many opportunities lie ahead, both in future examinations and in the many avenues through which you can contribute to our nation. My best wishes for the road ahead," his post on X reads. UPSC chairman Ajay Kumar announced the declaration of the result and congratulated the candidates who qualified the exam. "Congrats to all successful candidates as you begin a career of service to the nation. For those who did not make it-the learning from this journey will guide you in the paths ahead," UPSC Chairman wrote in a post on X. Among the 17 candidates from J&K who qualified UPSC exam inlcude a visually impaired candidate Irfan Ahmad Lone, a resident of Manzpora in the Naidkhai area of Bandipora.
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. “Hundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,” said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the faculty’s demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. “We are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,” he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. “The irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,” he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for “equal work, equal pay” gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. “Promises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,” he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. “This issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Srinagar, Jul 23: In a significant development, Baramulla-based educator and Fulbright Fellow Rameez Ahmad Sudhan has been selected to present his research paper at the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) Northeast Regional Conference. The conference is scheduled from November 13 to 15 at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. The paper was accepted after a competitive peer-review process for the international conference, which will focus on education, migration and displacement. The event is organised by the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES), one of the world's leading academic bodies in the field of education, bringing together researchers, policymakers and practitioners from across the globe. Sudhan is currently serving at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Baramulla, where his work focuses on continuous professional development of teachers, development of educational resources and supporting schools in implementing competency-based learning in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the NIPUN Bharat Mission. According to the organisers, the conference aims to promote interdisciplinary research on migration, displacement and education while providing a platform for emerging scholars. Sudhan's study highlights the educational experiences of communities that remain underrepresented in global academic discourse. Reacting to the development, Sudhan said the acceptance of his paper was an opportunity to present educational experiences from Jammu and Kashmir before an international audience. He described it as recognition of the resilience shown by students, teachers and communities in the region. He also acknowledged the support of his department and colleagues, saying they had provided opportunities for professional growth and learning in line with the vision of NEP 2020. "Education is a powerful instrument for resilience, peace-building and hope. The experiences of children and educators in Jammu and Kashmir deserve greater international attention," he said. The acceptance of the research paper marks a notable international recognition for an educator from Jammu and Kashmir and reflects the region's growing contribution to global educational research.
Srinagar Jul 16: Vice Chancellor Kashmir University (KU) Prof Nilofer Khan Thursday rejected the perception that distance education was meant only for students unable to secure admission in the regular system, saying that learners enrolled in the centre are equally capable and deserving of quality education. She was speaking during an alumni meeting organised by the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) of KU During her address, VC KU called for a comprehensive review of academic programmes at the CDOE, saying there was a need to introduce new online courses, revise curricula and align academic offerings with emerging industry and societal needs. The Vice Chancellor said the university must introspect and modernise its programmes in view of rapid changes in technology, research, entrepreneurship and the job market. She said the Centre for Distance and Online Education, formerly the Directorate of Distance Education, has completed 50 years and remains one of the university's flagship academic institutions. Describing it as a "mini-university" within Kashmir University, she said the centre has played a significant role in extending higher education opportunities beyond conventional classrooms through flexible and technology-enabled learning. She called for immediate reforms and said the university should identify subjects that are currently in demand and revise syllabi accordingly to improve employability. She said the focus should not only be on securing jobs but also on promoting entrepreneurship and startups by designing courses that meet the requirements of industry and society. She directed the centre to prepare a roadmap for introducing online programmes, saying such courses have become the need of the hour and are already being offered by universities across the country. She also advocated organising workshops and inviting experts from leading institutions to help strengthen the centre's academic offerings. "Distance education is not meant only for students unable to secure admission in the regular system. Learners enrolled in the centre are equally capable and deserving of quality education," VC KU said. She paid tribute to former faculty members and administrators and said the University's present standing is the result of decades of contributions made by retired teachers and academic leaders. She said the institution would continue building on that legacy with the aim of achieving greater national and global recognition.
Srinagar, Jul 5: The University of Kashmir Sunday organised a flag-off ceremony for its National Youth Parliament Team, which is proceeding to New Delhi to receive the prestigious National Championship Award in the 17th National Youth Parliament Competition (2025–26) at Parliament House, the highest democratic institution of the country. The University contingent, comprising 50 students, is led by Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer and Coordinator, National Youth Parliament, who has mentored and guided the championship-winning team throughout the competition. In her message, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nilofer Khan said "The triumph of our students in the National Youth Parliament Competition is a celebration of knowledge, leadership and democratic values. Their recognition at the Parliament of India, the temple of our democracy, is not merely an award but a powerful affirmation that the youth of Kashmir possess the vision, intellect and confidence to contribute to the nation's future. This historic achievement will inspire generations of students to dream bigger, think deeper and lead with integrity. On behalf of the entire University fraternity, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and wish the team continued success as proud ambassadors of the University of Kashmir." Registrar, Prof. Naseer Iqbal: said "This remarkable accomplishment reflects the culture of excellence, discipline and perseverance that defines the University of Kashmir. Our students have demonstrated that with dedication and commitment, no goal is beyond reach. Being honoured at the Parliament of India is a rare distinction and a proud milestone in the University's journey. I congratulate every member of the team and appreciate the tireless efforts of the mentor whose guidance transformed talent into national excellence. May this achievement ignite greater aspirations among our youth to serve society and strengthen the democratic fabric of our nation." The flag-off ceremony was conducted by Prof. Majid Zaman, Controller of Examinations, in the presence of Prof. Pervez Ahmad, Dean, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Prof. Seema Singh, Dean Students' Welfare. Prof. Imtiyaz Ahmed, Chief Proctor, Faculty members, university officials, students, and parents of the winning students gathered to extend their best wishes to the team for this momentous national recognition. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Majid Zaman congratulated the students on their remarkable achievement and said: "This accomplishment is a matter of immense pride for the University of Kashmir and the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Being honoured at Parliament House reflects the dedication, discipline and intellectual excellence of our students. I wish the team every success and hope they continue to inspire future generations." Prof. Seema Singh, Dean Students' Welfare, described the occasion as a historic milestone for the University. She said: "Our students have demonstrated exceptional talent, confidence, and democratic values through their outstanding performance. Their national recognition is a testament to the University's commitment to nurturing leadership, responsible citizenship, and holistic development. We are immensely proud of their achievement." Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Pervez Ahmad, Dean School of Earth and Environmental Sciences said: "The Youth Parliament platform equips students with a deep understanding of democratic institutions, constitutional values and public policy. This national honour showcases the academic excellence and leadership potential of our students, and I congratulate every member of the team for bringing laurels to the University." Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer and Coordinator, National Youth Parliament, expressed gratitude to the University administration for its unwavering support and said: "This achievement is the result of months of rigorous preparation, teamwork and commitment displayed by our students. Receiving the National Championship Award at Parliament House is a rare honour and a defining moment in the University's history. We dedicate this success to the University of Kashmir and remain committed to inspiring more students to participate in nation-building through democratic engagement." The University community expressed confidence that the team would represent the institution with dignity and distinction while receiving the National Championship Award at Parliament House, New Delhi, bringing further glory to the University of Kashmir.
