No Kashmiri Textbooks for Classes up to 8th in Govt Schools; Parents, Teachers Express Concern
Srinagar, Oct 22 (ProKashmiri.in): A wave of concern has gripped parents and educators across Kashmir after it came to light that Kashmiri language textbooks were not made available in government schools up to Class 8 during the ongoing academic session; even though students were required to appear for exams in the subject.
Teachers, students, and civil society members have described the situation as a “serious lapse” on the part of the School Education Department and the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE). They argue that conducting examinations without providing official textbooks defeats the purpose of promoting the regional language under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Human rights activist Rasikh Rasool Bhat expressed strong disappointment over the issue, calling it “deeply troubling.” He said, “Kashmiri language textbooks were not available up to Class 8, which is highly unfortunate. Teachers across the Valley somehow managed to teach the subject through makeshift arrangements. This gap must be addressed before the next academic session begins.”
Several teachers also shared their frustration, saying that they had to rely on old and unofficial materials to complete the syllabus. “We were forced to prepare lessons using photocopies and handwritten notes. There was no official support or fresh content available from the Board,” said a government school teacher from central Kashmir.
Parents, too, have voiced their anger over the negligence. Many believe that this reflects a lack of seriousness toward preserving and promoting the Kashmiri language. “Our children are being examined in a subject for which they had no books. How can we expect them to learn properly?” said a parent from Srinagar.
Education observers say the incident highlights broader administrative challenges within the education system, including delays in printing and distribution of textbooks. Some also pointed out that similar problems have been reported in previous years but were never fully addressed.
Meanwhile, several parent associations have urged the authorities to launch an internal probe to determine why the textbooks were not made available on time. They have also called for a strict mechanism to ensure that such lapses are not repeated in the future.
Officials from the School Education Department, when contacted, said the matter was being looked into and that efforts were underway to streamline the supply of textbooks for the next academic year.
The issue has reignited the debate on how effectively regional languages are being promoted in schools despite policy commitments under NEP 2020, which mandates the inclusion of mother tongues in early education.
FAQs
Q1: Were Kashmiri language textbooks officially printed for Class 8 students this year?
No, reports suggest that textbooks for the Kashmiri language were not available in government schools up to Class 8 during the ongoing academic session.
Q2: Did schools still hold exams for the subject?
Yes, exams for the Kashmiri language were conducted even though the textbooks were unavailable.
Q3: How did teachers manage to teach the subject without textbooks?
Teachers reportedly relied on old materials, photocopies, and handwritten notes to teach students.
Q4: What are parents and activists demanding now?
Parents and activists are calling for an internal departmental inquiry and proper measures to ensure timely textbook distribution in the next session.
Q5: How does this situation relate to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?
Under NEP 2020, regional and mother languages are to be promoted as a medium of instruction in early education. The lack of Kashmiri textbooks contradicts this objective and has raised questions about implementation.
