SRINAGAR: The Directorate of School Education Department, Jammu have asked the Heads of Departments of various institutions through the Chief Education Officers to spread awareness prevention of child sexual abuse in the schools.

Directions however, are also issued to make students aware of the POCSO Act and also install CCTVs at vulnerable spots.

The Directorate of School Education, Jammu in an order issued recently has directed to spread mass awareness among schools, both Govt. and Private, general public (rural and urban) about the menace of Child sexual abuse.

“All Chief Education Officers (CEOs) of Jammu Division are directed to instruct the HoDs of all the Schools to implement several guidelines,” read an order.

The guidelines were framed with reference to the subject and references comprising minor children irrespective of their sex are being sexually abused, a white paper on Child Sexual Abuse was issued by Kashmir Women's Collective with suggestions to prevent the menace of child sexual abuse.

“The schools have been directed to conduct sensitization programmes on child sexual abuse, safe unsafe touch, POCSO act 2012, gender sensitization etc awareness through counseling cells so as to aware all the stakeholders,” it read.

“Creation of child friendly reporting mechanism (contact number, email, complaint Box) in the school so that children can easily report the incidence of child sexual abuse, installation of CCTV cameras at feasible and vulnerable places adjacent to washroom and play zone of the school, crèches are also among the suggestions,” the order read.

“The schools have also been asked to make children aware about Child line (1098) and “Aao Baat Karein Helpline” (6006800068) of the Directorate to report cases of child sexual abuse, conduct open houses with students (especially female students) to know about any incidence of child sexual abuse and involvement of already constituted counseling cells in schools in carrying out special campaign regarding child sexual abuse,” it read.

It further stated that the schools have also been told to check antecedents of cab drivers of school and creches with the help of local police and in case of any complaint getting established against them, take necessary action, involvement of mental health and counselling experts should be involved in dealing with the victims of child sexual abuse sensitively.

Use of different experiential methodologies (short movie screening (Komal by Child Line), role play, poems, storytelling etc) to sensitize young children about the menace of sexual abuse and make aware about the POCSO e-Box (It is NCPCR's online complaint box for reporting child sexual abuse should also be included in the routine sessions. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Chairman, Jammu & Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE), Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas, along with Joint Secretary Administration, Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Hakak and other officers from Academic and Administration visited UT of Ladakh to assess the state of education within the UT and gain firsthand understanding of the overall functioning of sub offices, schools affiliated with JKBOSE as well as Accredited Study centres of JKSOS.

The visit was to ensure implementation of NEP 2020 in its true spirit in the affiliated institutions of JKBOSE as envisaged by Lieutenant Governor of UT of J & K, Manoj Sinha, who has provided a concrete road map to JKBOSE in this regard.

During this visit, the Chairman interacted with administrators of UT of Ladakh, officers of education department and other stakeholders to gather insights into the current educational landscape and to identify areas where JKBOSE can efficiently contribute for the betterment of education in the UT of Ladakh.

He also sought their active support to JKBOSE in its functioning in the region for providing better education as envisioned under NEP 2020.

While sharing his ideas, he said that our commitment to education goes beyond our institutions, adding that we believe in fostering a holistic educational ecosystem. He highlighted this visit is a step towards understanding the diverse educational landscape and working together with stakeholders to create a positive impact on students’ lives. He added that with the help of several ongoing initiatives especially after the NEP 2020, the region will witness significant progress and development in Education sector in the near future.

 These interactive sessions were designed to foster meaningful dialogues, share best practices, and explore potential partnerships that can elevate the quality of education provided to the students.

One of the primary focuses of this visit was to closely examine the functioning of private schools affiliated with JKBOSE in the UT of Ladakh. The team interacted with heads of all affiliated institutions and discussed the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these schools and also explore ways to collaborate efficiently and enhance the overall educational experience for the betterment of students. The team also highlighted the best practices that schools should follow to raise the standards of the Education in the region. The issues /challenges were also part of the meeting to ensure smooth functioning of the pvt.Schools.

During the meeting with the heads of Accredited Study centres of JKSOS, it was highlighted that open schooling has great scope in the region due to rigid terrain.

During the meeting, DIET principal was requested to highlight the open schooling among masses so that all the aspirants get a second chance to continue their education especially through SOS, so that no child should be left behind, to achieve the goal envisioned under NEP 2020 of Universalisation of Secondary Education by 2030.

The Chairman ensured that SOS activities shall be strengthened further in the region to bring all Out of School Children (OoSC) under mainstream by providing alternative ways of schooling and for those who cannot attend regular/physical school.

Chairman, JKBOSE also paid surprise visit to the Examination Centre pertaining to ongoing JKSOS, Secondary School Examination (10th Class).

While inspecting examination centres, he expressed satisfaction on the arrangements put in place. He also stressed upon the supervisory staff deployed to take good care of the examinees to make them as comfortable as they can while they write their answer scripts.

During his visit to the sub office Leh, he undertook a comprehensive review of its office operations. He directed them to be prompt in the delivery process and also directed to ensure that various BOSE services to the students and other stake holders are provided promptly in a hassle free manner. He also directed them to make best use of various BOSE technological interventions and aware all the stakeholders about these services so that they get the services at their homes. This has great potential owing to the fact of difficult terrain of the region.(GNS)

SRINAGAR: Addressing a Press Conference in Srinagar to mark the third anniversary of NEP 2020 and its implementation in the campus curriculum, the Director said the Institute wholeheartedly embraced the NEP-2020 over the past three years, effectively implementing its principles with a strong focus on two key aspects: "curriculum" and "governance" reforms.

The announcement was conducted as part of Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam, a nationwide celebration regarding the completion of NEP-2020.

The director emphasized that the NEP envisions a comprehensive transformation of the entire education system, encompassing its regulation and governance, with the ultimate goal of establishing a novel framework that offers students holistic and lifelong learning opportunities.

He expressed that education at NIT Srinagar has shifted towards a "learner-centric" approach.

"As part of this transformation, all B.Tech programs have been restructured, effective from the year 2023, and the credit system has been rationalized, reducing the minimum number of credits needed to obtain a B.Tech degree to 160. This deliberate adjustment aims to offer students ample room for experiential learning, a valuable opportunity for their academic growth," he said.

Prof. Yedla proudly announced that NIT Srinagar has initiated the implementation of a multiple entry and multiple-exit system at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

"We take immense pride in being one of the pioneering institutions to introduce this system nationwide," he said.
The Director also revealed that NIT Srinagar has successfully launched the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) within the National Academic Depository (NAD), with students from the 2022 batch already being registered on the ABC platform.
He informed that their IDs have been generated, and the certificates of B.Tech pass-out batches of 2018 and 2019 have been successfully uploaded on NAD.

Prof. Yedla mentioned that they have embraced the concept of digital learning, enabling student to opt for online courses like SWAYAM, NPTEL, etc., accumulating up to a maximum of 10 credits during their B.Tech. program.

"NIT Srinagar has been utilizing the continuous evaluation system for a considerable period, assessing students' performances to attain the desired learning outcomes," he said.

The Director highlighted that the Institute has aligned its Ph.D. regulations with the NEP-2020, introducing direct Ph.D. admission after a bachelor's degree.

"Student mobility across institutions is a crucial aspect of the NEP, and we have wholeheartedly embraced it. NIT Srinagar has taken a significant step in this direction by signing MoUs with leading institutions in India and across the globe, fostering academic and research collaboration," he said.

The Director mentioned that apart from the mentioned initiatives, NIT Srinagar has been implementing several other academic reforms. Notably, the institute has integrated Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP) for streamlined management of students, starting from admission procedures to the conferral of degrees.

"We have set up the Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Development Center (IIEDC) to offer technical and financial support to students' startups, idea generators, and grassroots innovators," he said.

"Over the past several years, most of the infrastructure (buildings, etc.) at the institute has been made friendly for differently-abled persons by way of provision of ramps and lifts," he said.

He further stated, "In recent years, significant efforts have been made to enhance accessibility for differently-abled individuals within the institute. Ramps and lifts have been provided, making most of the infrastructure (buildings, etc.) inclusive."

Additionally, Prof. Yedla shared that they are actively planning to make the campus more winter-friendly. To achieve this, the institute will be installing central heating facilities in the dining halls and library, ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone during colder months.

"Institute has a well-established Research and Consultancy wing that serves as the primary liaison between the Institute and the Industry," he said.

Prof. Yedla shared that, in a bid to contribute further to the development of the Valley, NIT Srinagar is envisioning new initiatives like the J&K Development Report and the Environmental Status Report of J&K.

“NIT Srinagar aspires to enhance students' overall development, equipping them with the skills to offer optimal solutions to emerging challenges while nurturing their sense of responsibility as socially and environmentally conscious citizens," he added. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Joint Director Elementary Education at DSEK Shams-U-Din Tuesday died of heart attack.

Officials at DSEK informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the Joint Director was on duty when he felt unconscious in the lawns of Directorate.

“He was immediately rushed to hospital, but hè collapsed on the way,” the official said. (KNO)