Confusion persists about introduction of a sixth subject in the compulsory curriculum of 9th standard students as the government was indecisive about its implementation nearly two years after sanctioning it.
Amid the confusion, some schools in Kashmir have includedKashmiri language as the 6th compulsory subject, leaving other students in astate of dilemma.
In 2017, the government accorded sanction to the extensionof teaching of regional language – Kashmiri, Dogri and Bodhi – to classes 9thand 10th in all government and private recognised schools of J&K ascompulsory 6th subject (Graded), in areas where such language are spoken asmother tongue.
As per the order, the regional languages were supposed to beincluded in the 2018-19 academic session for class 9th and for class 10th fromthe next academic session 2019-20.
An official said the government faced opposition fromstudents and teachers over the decision citing that introduction of 6th subjectas compulsory will overburden the students.
“Schools in J&K have 5-subject scheme which is uniformacross the country. Even MHRD has not adopted introduction of 6th subject,” anofficial said.
In view of this, the education department in 2017 convened ameeting with JK Board of School Education (BOSE) to deliberate on the issue.
“In the meeting it was proposed that the previous order willbe amended and students will be given a choice to choose any of the languagesubjects,” the official said.
He said the decision was taken keeping in view that Hindiand Urdu languages were part of the curriculum as compulsory subject.
“It was proposed that students will be given a choice tochoose from Urdu, Hindi, Kashmiri, Dogri, Balti, Punjabi or Bodhi as 5thcompulsory subject,” he said, adding the government didn’t amend the orderdespite the meeting which led to the confusion among schools and authorities.
“From the current academic session some private schools inKashmir have included 6th subject in the curriculum.”
Amid the government indecisiveness, the JKBOSE has notprinted text books of these subjects.
“JKBOSE halted printing of Kashmiri text books for secondaryclasses despite completing compilation and preparation of syllabus. The processwas halted post government decision to amend the previous order,” the officialsaid.
Meanwhile, a functionary in a private school said theyadhered to the 2017 government order and included 6th subject as compulsory.
“We approached the authorities to clarify the doubts but weare not getting any clarification yet,” he said.
However, the government schools have not included the 6thcompulsory subject in the curriculum.
“We have not received any directions from the government forintroduction of 6th subject. As of now we are following 5-subject scheme,” saida chief education officer, wishing not to be named.
Director school education Kashmir (DSEK) Muhammad YounisMalik said the subject has been introduced on basis of directions issued byadministrative department in 2017.
“I will still get a proper feedback about theissue,” Malik said.