JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today took a review of the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP)-2020 in the schools across different parts of the UT by the School Education Department (SED)
The meeting, besides the Administrative Secretary of School Education, was attended by the Director, of School Education Kashmir/Jammu; Chairperson, JKBOSE & Director, SCERT; Director, Samagra Shiksha and other concerned from the Department.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary prompted the officers of the Department to set for themselves the measurable indicators with timelines against each of the 6 verticals under NEP. He asked for monitoring these at regular intervals for the smooth implementation of the policy here.
The Chief Secretary also asked to create ample awareness among the teachers of the Department about the features of this policy applicable to them. He made out that they are the concerned who have to get it implemented on the ground. He advised for their capacity building and training to make them well-versed about its components.
Dulloo also asked for gradually reducing the gaps being faced in its implementation so that each of these is ironed out within the stipulated timeframe. He also stressed on creating the necessary infrastructure required for schools under this policy.
The Chief Secretary took this occasion to enquire about the status of the establishment of ICT and Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the districts of J&K. He also took note of the development of smart classrooms in schools besides the establishment of Vidhya Samiksha Kendra (VSK).
Regarding the provision of contribution on the part of the volunteers to play their role in bettering the services, assets, materials, and equipment in the schools, the Chief Secretary called for exploring the possibility of bringing in major players present in the UT to play their part under the CSR.
In his presentation the Secretary, School Education, Piyush Singla elaborated the measures and steps taken by the department in this direction. He gave out that the major principles of the NEP-2020 include respect for diversity & local context in curriculum, Equity & Inclusion, Community Participation, and Use of Technology in teaching and learning.
It also Emphasizes on Conceptual Understanding, Recognising Unique Capabilities, Developing Critical thinking and Creativity and Continuous Review by experts. Its key verticals include curriculum and pedagogy, quality, teachers and their training, access and equity, governance and management and stress on research and innovation, the Secretary informed.
The Director, SCERT, Parikshat Singh disclosed that the Department has conducted training sessions as envisaged under this policy for capacity building of teachers. He made out that till now 33 tasks have been completed, and 52 are in progress under the curriculum framework 2020.
Under IMPACT, he gave out that more than 34000 Grade 2nd and 3rd teachers completed their one-month training course through online mode, 78975 Elementary Teachers (100%) completed the course under NISHTHA 1.0,21926 Secondary and Senior Secondary Teachers (81%) under NISHTHA 2.0and 40318 Pre-Primary and Primary Teachers (100%) have successfully completed the course under NISHTHA 3.0.
Moreover, it was added that in J&K 18 VTPs (Vocational Training Partners) are empaneled for imparting skills training in 1315 schools during 2023-24, 1803 Vocational Trainers/Teachers have been engaged. Approximately 126000 students from classes 9th to 12th are enrolled in 15 different trades.
It was revealed that 803 vocational labs have been established and made functional for the students and establishment of 532 labs are in the process of establishment. Further in 1648 Upper Primary Schools, 74000 students were provided exposure to the Basic Vocational Skills through local Artisans in 2023, the meeting was informed.
