SRINAGAR: In a landmark move to promote and preserve regional languages, the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has announced the maiden publication of textbooks for the Shina language (Classes I and II).
The initiative aligns seamlessly with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCFFS) 2022, which advocate mother-tongue-based, multilingual, and culturally responsive education at the foundational level.
The textbooks have already been printed and distributed as per requisition, ensuring timely availability for classroom use.
The introduction of the Shina textbooks marks a milestone in JKBOSE’s sustained efforts to mainstream indigenous languages in school education. By enabling children to begin learning in their mother tongue, the Board aims to strengthen foundational literacy, cognitive development, and cultural connection among Shina-speaking learners.
Developed strictly as per NCF-FS 2022 guidelines, the textbooks follow a play-based, activity-oriented, and child-centric pedagogy. The age-appropriate content focuses on developing listening, speaking, early reading, and writing skills, in keeping with the NEP 2020 vision of joyful and meaningful learning rooted in local culture.
JKBOSE has consistently played a proactive role in the promotion and protection of Jammu & Kashmir’s rich linguistic heritage. Through the introduction, revision, and standardisation of curricula in regional languages, the Board has been endeavouring to protect rich cultural diversity and its transmission to future generations through a well-knit curriculum and scheme of studies.
The publication of Shina textbooks further reinforces JKBOSE’s commitment to linguistic inclusivity and cultural preservation. More than an academic initiative, this step represents a strategic effort to empower local communities, affirm linguistic identity, and translate national policy mandates on multilingual education into classroom practice, especially for the Shina-speaking communities of J&K.
Meanwhile, JKBOSE appreciated the dedicated efforts of the textbook development committee, headed by Masood A. Samoon and Prof. Musavir Ahmad, Department of Linguistics, University of Kashmir, for their scholarly guidance and meticulous review of the textbooks, ensuring academic rigour and linguistic authenticity.
