By Ummar Jamal
The call for a uniform curriculum across all schools in Jammu and Kashmir has resonated for years, aiming to bring standardization and equity to the education system. Despite the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) issuing a fresh circular in December 2023, this marks the fifth attempt in as many years, underscoring the persistent challenges in implementing a common curriculum.
In its latest order, the Board warned of a disciplinary action and imposition of a penalty up to ₹50,000 or both against those schools recommending books besides the one prescribed by the Board.
The recurrent circulars from 2016 to 2023 signify the board took initiative to establish a common curriculum. However, challenges persist, with the crux of the issue lying in the ongoing tug-of-war between government initiatives and the resistance posed by private schools. This perennial struggle has impeded the smooth implementation of a standardized educational structure.
Non-cooperation by private schools
Despite the board’s directive to adopt the prescribed curriculum, private school owners have chosen to resist for years, opting to maintain their existing educational frameworks. This persistent violation raises concerns about the effectiveness of the board’s regulations and the willingness of private institutions to comply with standardized educational guidelines.
The opposition from private school owners stems from various factors, such as a desire to retain autonomy over their curriculum, desire to set private schools apart by prescribing different curriculum from that of government schools and concerns about potential financial implications. The continuous violation of the circular not only challenges the authority of the JKBOSE but also raises questions about the overall compliance culture within the private education sector. This continuous defiance highlights a contentious relationship between the private education sector and regulatory authorities, as these owners resist the implementation of the board’s guidelines.
Bookseller’s concerns
In response to the recent circular, the association of booksellers also has voiced its grievances, expressing concern over the potential impact on their businesses. The booksellers are urging the government to reconsider its decision in order to safeguard their livelihoods.
The move towards a common curriculum comes in the wake of allegations against private schools, accusing them of exploiting parents by prescribing textbooks from private publishers at exorbitant rates. These textbooks, not readily available in the open market, are exclusively supplied to specific bookshops. The JKBOSE’s decision seeks to address this issue by standardizing the curriculum across all schools.
The association of booksellers argues that a common curriculum might lead to a reduction in the demand for a variety of textbooks, affecting their sales. They emphasize the importance of considering the economic implications on small businesses in the educational supply chain.
Need and advantages of uniform curriculum
The advantages of a shared educational framework are multifaceted. A common curriculum promotes consistency, ensuring that students receive a comparable quality of education regardless of the institution they attend. It minimizes disparities in learning outcomes, fostering a more equitable educational landscape.
A common curriculum ensures that all students, regardless of their school’s affiliation, have access to the same quality of education. It eliminates disparities in learning outcomes and levels the playing field for diverse learners. Standardizing the curriculum helps establish a baseline for educational expectations. It ensures that essential knowledge and skills are uniformly taught, enhancing the overall academic standards across institutions.
A shared curriculum fosters consistency in what students are taught. This consistency aids in creating a more seamless educational experience for students who may transition between schools. A common curriculum encourages collaboration among educators. Teachers can share best practices, resources, and insights, leading to a more robust educational community.
Standardizing the curriculum enables educational authorities to focus on refining and enhancing the quality of the content. This, in turn, contributes to a more comprehensive and effective learning experience for students. By ensuring that all schools follow the same curriculum, the socio-economic and geographical factors that often contribute to educational disparities are mitigated. This supports a more inclusive and equitable educational system.
A common curriculum facilitates uniform assessments, making it easier to gauge student progress and educational effectiveness. This streamlined approach aids in the identification of areas that may need improvement.
The implementation of a common curriculum emerges as a fundamental requirement for the advancement of education. It addresses the needs for equity, standardization, and consistency, ultimately leading to improved quality and accessibility. Recognizing the importance of a unified educational approach is essential for fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment across diverse schools
Conclusion
While the intent behind the recent directive to prescribe BOSE-published textbooks is commendable, the real challenge lies in effective enforcement. The intention behind the circular is to alleviate the financial burden on parents and ensure accessibility to affordable educational materials, the implementation of such policies has faced hurdles. Ability of BOSE authorities to implement these directives on the ground will determine the success of the initiative. The past track record, marred by unsuccessful attempts, raises questions about the efforts taken for its proper implementation.
The government’s failure to effectively enforce its own circulars, contributing to the complexity of the situation. The government’s initiative to curb the alleged exploitation by private schools is commendable; however, the effectiveness of the policy lies in its seamless implementation. It remains highly imperative to take decisive action to enforce its circular and ensure compliance among private schools.
Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
Author is a Kashmir based columnist. He tweets at ummar_jamal and can be reached at [email protected]
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
