Page 32 - Kashmir and National Education Policy by Dr. Amarpreet Kour

KASHMIR & NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY 2020 || DR. AMARPREET KOUR

and teachers. By addressing these complexities, linguistic policies can
promote inclusivity, employability, and holistic development without
compromising on students’ academic and professional growth.

Vocational education in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has seen remarkable
growth since its inception in 2016-17, expanding from 132 schools
offering three trades to 1,350 schools offering 15 trades, with plans
to reach 2,400 schools. Vocational education has proven to be highly
beneficial, providing students with practical skills that enable them to
earn a livelihood, become financially independent, and contribute to
society. Courses in sectors like IT, tourism, retail, and Kashmiri crafts
should be integrated into the curriculum to enhance the relevance
and impact of vocational training. For example, Masters in tourism
management, courses offer students secure jobs or start their own
businesses. NEP 2020 promotes self-reliance by encouraging students to
pursue vocational courses, with success stories of individuals traveling
to Europe, America, and Switzerland after acquiring vocational skills
demonstrating the transformative potential of such education.

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has implemented the
Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Vocationalisation of Secondary and
Higher Secondary Education under National Skills Qualifications
Framework (NSQF). The scheme involves NSDC and Sector Skill
Councils (SSCs) for training, curriculum accreditation, assessments,
and certifications. Vocational education begins at Class 9 and continues
until Class 12. Initially, 132 schools introduced trades such as IT/ITeS,
Retail, Healthcare, and Tourism in 2016-17. A total of 733 schools
have been approved, with 553 already operational, and 626 vocational
labs established. The initiative aligns with NEP 2020 to promote skill
development in students from Classes 6 to 8, involving 2,000 schools
and 40 schools under the Hub and Spoke model.

Vocational education also helps address dropout rates, particularly in
areas with high tourism potential. By equipping students with skills
related to tourism, they can earn a living, thereby reducing the dropout
rate and enhancing employment opportunities in the sector. However,
vocational education should focus more on practical exposure through
internships and skill-based learning programs rather than simply being
graded like traditional academic subjects. Higher Secondary school
Dragger and Higher Secondary school Wathora have implemented

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