'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, 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, 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, Oct 18: The class 10 annual regular (2026) examinations will commence from Monday (October 19) across Kashmir and Jammu winter zones as well. The examination will be conducted by the JK Board of School Education (BOSE). As per the official figures, around 97500 students including 72232 students in Kashmir and 25268 students in Jammu winter zones have registered for the JKBOSE exams. For this, JKBOSE has set up 1003 exam centres which include 687 in Kashmir and 316 in winter zone areas of Jammu. Chairman J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) Ghulam Hassan Sheikh has already informed the students not to feel stressed over the upcoming board examinations, saying the papers would be normal but analytical and competency-based in line with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020. He said class 11 and 12 students were already familiar with the Board examination system, while Class 10 students appearing for the board exams for the first time should remain patient and confident. He also appealed to parents not to put undue pressure on children to score 100 per cent marks, saying excessive expectations could adversely affect the mental well-being of the children. He further said the question papers would follow the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 framework, with an emphasis on analytical thinking and competency-based assessment rather than rote memorisation. "The examination pattern is intended to assess how well students have understood and grasped concepts, rather than merely their ability to memorise information. But students should not to feel intimidated by the examination process," he added. Minister for education, Sakina Itoo extended her best wishes to the students appearing in upcoming JKBOSE class 10th, 11th and 12th examination. "As the annual board examinations approach, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all students appearing in the Class 10th, 11th and 12th examinations conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE)," Itoo in her message said. She said JKBOSE has completed the necessary preparations to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the examinations. "Dear students, this is the time to demonstrate your hard work, dedication and perseverance. Stay confident, manage your time wisely and approach every examination with a calm and positive mindset. Believe in your abilities and give your best," she said. The minister said that examinations were an important milestone in the academic journey of the students and every effort they make contributes to their growth and future success. "I also appeal to parents to support their children with patience, understanding and encouragement. Avoid unnecessary pressure and provide a peaceful and reassuring environment that safeguards their physical and mental well-being," she said. "Stay focused, stay confident and let your hard work shine. May you achieve success and move forward towards a bright future" Education minister said to ensure transparency and timely redressal of examination-related grievances, JKBOSE has constituted a Grievance-cum-Monitoring Cell. Students, parents and other stakeholders may contact the designated offices for assistance. For Jammu division, people can email their grievances at [jsexamsjd.jkbose@jk.gov.in](mailto:jsexamsjd.jkbose@jk.gov.in) and Phone: 0191-2585732. For Kashmir Division people can email their grievances at [jsexamskd.jkbose@jk.gov.in](mailto:jsexamskd.jkbose@jk.gov.in) and contact 0194-3186762 The Minister urged all the centre superintendents and examination staff to ensure that the examinations are conducted in a fair, transparent, disciplined and impartial manner, upholding the sanctity and integrity of the examination system. "My very best wishes to all 2.7 lakh students. Stay focused, stay confident and let your hard work shine. May you achieve success and move forward towards a bright future," she added. "Exam warriors, shed your worries, stay confident and focused. Believe in yourself and give your best" Commissioner Secretary School Education Department (SED) Ram Niwas Sharma in his message has extended best wishes to the class 10, 11th and 12th students appearing in upcoming JKBOSE exams. "Exam warriors, shed your worries, stay confident and focused. Believe in yourself and give your best. Best wishes to all," Sharma in a message said. He also asked the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and Complex Heads to ensure a congenial and supportive environment for students during the examination period. "Students' success remains the top priority. Effective counselling and all possible assistance must be given to students to help them overcome examination-related stress and perform to the best of their abilities," he said. He said educational authorities must extend necessary support to students and ensure that they can appear in the examinations in a positive and stress-free atmosphere. As per the already notified date sheet, the examination of class 11th students will commence from October 29 and will culminate on November 30 of 2026. Also, the annual regular (2026) examination of class 12th students will commence from October 21 and will culminate in November 21 of 2026.
New Delhi, Oct 11: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for a future-ready education system that prepares children for life beyond examinations by equipping them with critical thinking, digital literacy, adaptability and a strong sense of responsibility. He said governments, educators, institutions, parents and communities must work collectively to address the diverse academic, social and developmental needs of children. The chief minister was addressing the 'School Leader of the Year 2026 Summit and Awards' here, which brought together leading educators, school principals and institutional heads to celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership in K-12 education. K-12 education refers to the 13-year schooling system, from kindergarten (K) through class 12, typically covering students aged 5 to 18 before they enter higher education. Emphasising the role of school leaders in nation-building, Abdullah said principals and headteachers do much more than administer schools. They shape the learning environment, values, aspirations and future of young minds, he said, adding that strong leadership is fundamental to building safe, inclusive, innovative and student-centric institutions. He underscored that education must focus on the holistic development of every child, going beyond academic achievement to nurture creativity, communication, collaboration, problem-solving abilities and digital competence. Schools must prepare students to meet emerging challenges with confidence and responsibility, Abdullah said. He highlighted the opportunities presented by technology and Artificial Intelligence saying that there was a need to adopt these tools responsibly to improve learning outcomes, personalise education and support teachers, while ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces the human element of education. He also stressed the importance of continuous professional development for teachers and school leaders, noting that exposure to innovative teaching methods, exchange of best practices and opportunities for collaboration are essential to strengthening educational institutions. Abdullah called for an inclusive approach to educational excellence, emphasising that quality education must reach children in rural, remote and underserved communities as well as those in urban areas. The chief minister also highlighted the importance of meaningful collaboration among educational institutions, both within India and internationally, to promote innovation, share successful models and strengthen the quality of education. He observed that recognition of exemplary school leadership helps foster a culture of excellence, encouraging other institutions to learn from successful practices and adapt them to their own contexts.
Srinagar, Sep 20: In a significant development, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Jammu and Kashmir Campus, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening academic, clinical and professional collaboration in the areas of rehabilitation, mental health, behavioural forensic services, research and training. The MoU was formally signed by the Directors of SKIMS and Rashtriya Raksha University, Jammu and Kashmir Campus, on the occasion graced by distinguished dignitaries, including former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir and Lifetime Professor Dr. Mehraj Uddin Mir, RRU J&K Campus Assistant Director Dr. Mohammad Akmal Shah, Assistant Professor Dr. Mudasir Bhat and Director Finance SKIMS. Speaking on the occasion Director, SKIMS, said this MoU will strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in clinical learning, rehabilitation, mental health and research. DirectorRashtriya Raksha University, Jammu and Kashmir Campus, said this collaboration will provide valuable clinical exposure to our students and strengthen joint research and training in behavioural sciences and different areas of forensic services. "The agreement provides a framework for collaboration in clinical and forensic teaching, mental health services, rehabilitation, forensic mental health services, capacity building, joint research, academic publications, internships, faculty exchange and knowledge sharing," the official handout reads. As per the handout, the two institutions will also collaborate on joint research projects, publications, scientific workshops, seminars, symposia, conferences and specialised training programmes on mutually identified areas. "The collaboration will also support the development of integrated approaches to challenges relating to disability besides promoting capacity building and interdisciplinary learning," it reads. The collaboration is expected to provide a structured platform for academic exchange, supervised clinical learning, interdisciplinary research and professional training, while strengthening institutional cooperation between SKIMS and RRU, J&K campus.
