Jammu, Sept 14: The Directorate of School Education Jammu has approached the J&K Board of School Education with a proposal to extend academic concessions to students whose studies have been repeatedly hampered by interruptions in the academic calendar.
In a communication addressed to the Secretary of JKBOSE, the Director of School Education Jammu conveyed that feedback gathered from Chief Education Officers of the winter zone has underscored the need to ease the academic load. It has been suggested that the syllabus for the current session be curtailed by 15 to 20 percent.
The Directorate has, however, advised against the omission of specific chapters or topics on the grounds that schools across the division have progressed unevenly in syllabus coverage. Instead, it has proposed that students may be given broader flexibility through open choice in examinations. This, according to the letter, would ensure parity across institutions, facilitate better understanding and retention of lessons, and alleviate examination-related strain while safeguarding mental well-being.
The communication urges JKBOSE to consider an appropriate framework that may include a moderate reduction of the syllabus, the introduction of optional questions, or any other measure deemed practical in the wider interest of students.
The move follows a statement earlier in the day by Education Minister Sakina Itoo, who acknowledged that the government is actively examining ways to compensate for syllabus loss arising out of school closures. The Minister noted that suggestions have been solicited from students, parents and members of the public to shape an inclusive strategy.
