Reform Government Schools

Civil society members should resume discussions on every platform about the prevailing government education system in today’s J&K, as this is crucial for two reasons. In August 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced that it was considering a proposal requiring government employees to enroll their children in public schools. Several representations were submitted against this proposal, which may lead to its withdrawal. The representations highlighted the deteriorating learning environment, directly indicating a lack of confidence in government schools among government employees. Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced the merger of 4,358 schools under a rationalization scheme. Among these, 1,274 institutions are from the Jammu region, and 3,084 are from the Kashmir region.

Expanding educational opportunities for low-income families remains necessary in both regions. Government schools in Jammu and Kashmir require reforms to address infrastructural deficiencies, teacher-student ratio challenges, and insufficient learning environments. The new government should embrace innovative changes to facilitate a comprehensive shift that could significantly transform the educational framework. A new set of educational strategies can be tailored and implemented to tackle schooling issues for children from low-income families. The commitment to enhance public services should begin with a mission to reform government schools.

To begin with, a strategy focusing on substantial infrastructure investments should be developed. The government should increase spending in the education sector, upgrading all classrooms to international standards, with an emphasis on establishing high-tech IT labs. This would result in a significant boost in government school facilities. To provide quality education, the renovation of existing buildings and the addition of classrooms will enhance learning systems. In Jammu and the Kashmir region, numerous schools operate from deteriorating structures or lack adequate facilities. This clearly demands urgent action to ensure that every child can access a secure educational environment. 

Teacher training should be part of the strategy. Some programs should be designed to bridge the learning gap by training teachers to deal with students at various levels. This needs specialized training in modern teaching methods because teachers come from diverse educational backgrounds themselves. Considering these concerns, conducting regular competency tests for all teachers will empower teachers and would lead to better student engagement and attendance in government schools.  In addition, the new education curriculum should be introduced which emphasizes on complete growth of children instead of merely academic success. Such programs possibly will assist in reflecting that the government truly cares for the future of those children who cannot afford costly private education. 

Many resources and opportunities have been wasted before. The monitoring authorities are fully negligent and manipulate student records to conceal the real situation. Furthermore, reforms will be sustainable only when the governance approach includes transparency, and the funds are utilized effectively because corruption and inefficiency led to the mismanagement of funds openly in the past. Implementing such a model in Jammu and Kashmir would not be without challenges because J&K's education system spans both urban and remote areas. Still, if the steps are taken to implement the education reform model and adapted quickly in J&K, this could serve as the biggest example of the new governance standard. All it needs is acceptance by local stakeholders, and the political will to implement by rising above petty politics. With this mission to reform government schools, thousands of children in the J&K can shape the future of this region.

Srinagar Train Link Pose Challenges For Jammu

The introduction of direct rail services linking Srinagar with major cities such as Delhi marks a significant milestone in the transport infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir. While this development promises to bring many benefits to the entire region, it also poses potential economic challenges, especially for Jammu, which has historically served as an important transport hub for travelers to and from the Kashmir valley. Jammu has long been the gateway to Kashmir and has acted as a ‘stop point’ for tourists as well as a key point for the transport of goods and services. The city's economy is heavily dependent on its role as a ‘stop point’, and this strategic location has allowed sectors such as hospitality, transport and warehousing to flourish. 

With the train service now extending straight to Srinagar, the immediate effect on Jammu may be a significant reduction in transit-related commercial activities. Jammu has profited from tourists stopping during their journey to Kashmir. The direct rail connection diminishes the need for such halts, potentially resulting in fewer visitors exploring or even stopping by Jammu. Hotels, eateries, and local attractions will experience a decline in customers as travelers can now arrive in Kashmir more efficiently. The transportation industry in Jammu, like taxi services, bus operators, and freight carriers, has had a business advantage on the route to Kashmir.  With the rail connection avoiding dependency on Jammu for goods transportation, there will be considerable job losses in this industry. 

The local warehousing sector, which has been storing items destined for Kashmir, may also face a decline as direct rail shipping lessens the necessity for any such storage. Local businesses that depended solely on this will find it challenging to survive in the coming months. This drop will ultimately lead to decreased demand for local products and services, ranging from retail shops to small business establishments. The long-term financial implications are going to get adverse. Without proper management, the railway connection could indeed stimulate economic crisis in Jammu. 

For this, the need is to opt and discover new ways to effectively market Jammu as a supplementary destination for tourists visiting Kashmir. Jammu’s historical importance and cultural legacy should be promoted to keep it relevant in the tourism industry. Developing new attractions or cultural sites might draw tourists who would otherwise bypass the city. Government should play a crucial role, and this might include subsidies or incentives for businesses affected by the rail link, or now initiatives to promote Jammu as a destination, not just a transit point.

There are many people in social -political circles floating the idea that nothing will happen to Jammu. But the train arriving in Srinagar does undeniably present immediate economic hurdles for Jammu by shifting of traditional economic dynamics. However, without strategic vision, policy backing, and local effort, Jammu won’t be able to adjust to this shift. If this is not done in a few years, then Jammu will become “another Pathankot”. So, the crucial factor lies in utilizing this infrastructural change to evolve rather than just respond to economic transitions. The city's future success will develop on how proficiently some businesses in Jammu diversify, integrate, and market itself in the newly formed economic environment influenced by the Srinagar rail connection.

Punjabi Language Cultural Heritage of J&K

The Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) in December 2024 officially released a detailed notification for lecturer posts in Jammu and Kashmir. In this notification, there was only one lecturer post for the Punjabi language. It showed that the local government was not serious about developing the Punjabi language in J&K. This appeared contradictory to National Education Policy 2020 because it stresses that the government should provide a teacher to even one student who wants to study in his/her mother tongue. Till 1981, Punjabi language was a compulsory subject like Urdu in Jammu and Kashmir, and then in year 2020 Punjabi was excluded from the J&K Official Languages Bill.  There was huge resentment in the Sikh community and even several requests were made to the government to review its decision, but nothing moved in a positive direction.

The Punjabi language has a historical connection between J&K and Punjab which started before the partition of India in 1947. Punjabi served a crucial role in the formation of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural identity. The Dogra rulers of J&K maintained strong ties with Punjab. This led to the migration of numerous Punjabi-speaking communities into the Jammu area who became part of the social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. Nowadays among the Dogras, the influence of Punjabi is notably significant, as they culturally are closer to Punjab than with the Kashmiri traditions. Likewise, the celebration of Lohri, Baisakhi, love for Punjabi music in Jammu shows the cultural synthesis of the Punjabi language.

The result is that the Punjabi has become part of the daily lives and cultural celebrations of the Jammu region. The role of the Punjabi language in the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir highlights the necessity of its revival. In Kashmir also the impact of Punjabi remained significant during Maharaja Ranjit Singh's governance. Throughout that period, Punjabi assumed a key administrative position. However, as time passed and with shifts in politics, the rise of Kashmiri and Urdu was witnessed while the prominence of Punjabi declined in the valley. Yet, its legacy is still visible within the Sikh community living in Kashmir.

Because Punjabi usage in Jammu and Kashmir has not been as prevalent, particularly in educational facilities. Therefore, the need is for its revival as it could enhance community connections by incorporating it into educational programs. Incorporating Punjabi as an academic subject in all schools, especially in regions where it is predominantly spoken will honor the local culture and heritage of J&K. The emphasis on Urdu, Kashmiri, and English has eclipsed Punjabi, resulting in a decrease in its everyday application. This decline threatens to extinguish a vital segment of the region's cultural heritage.

A policy should be formulated for Punjabi language conservation, acknowledging Punjabi officially in areas where it is most prevalent, at the earliest. The revival of the Punjabi language in Jammu and Kashmir goes beyond mere language preservation; it expresses the protection of a vital aspect of the local heritage. It would enhance the cultural richness of J&K and preserve the historical connections that have influenced this region of India. An initiative to revive Punjabi therefore deserves commitment and action from all those who value the cultural energy of Jammu and Kashmir.

Engage Rural Areas Youth In Sports

  

Jammu and Kashmir, renowned for its stunning landscapes, has had a large sports infrastructure deficiency for decades. This obstructed the advancement of sports culture in local society and restricted several opportunities for J&K's youth. Despite the region's potential and the enthusiasm of its young populace, the inadequacy of suitable sports facilities caused a significant impediment to the growth of sports culture. The sports infrastructure in J&K currently falls significantly short of expectations. Various reports, including those from local media, clearly indicate that both regions lack adequate facilities. For example, in Jammu, the Bana Singh Stadium, originally intended to serve as a multi-purpose venue, is deficient due to poorly planned construction. 

This situation is just one example but reflects an underlying problem in many districts of J&K, where sports facilities face complete neglect. Additionally, sports infrastructure is distributed unevenly between urban and rural areas. Urban areas have some facilities, while rural areas lack sports amenities hindering comprehensive activities for the youth in such areas. This deficiency in infrastructure directly leads to lower sports participation as the youth outside cities cannot compete due to lack of facilities. In this situation, some young athletes have no option but to find opportunities outside their local communities. This raises costs for them and adds physical and emotional stress. 

It should be ensured that sports facilities are not just an urban luxury. Facilities should be available in areas with low population density too for developing balanced talent across different sports disciplines. In past decades, government attention was less on sports development due to years of conflict and political unrest, which resulted in a lack of investment in sports infrastructure. Also, growth has been hampered by the politicization of sports governance at the hands of a few people, which resulted in corruption and inefficiencies, which is not a secret. To address these problems and create an atmosphere where sportsmen from far flung areas can flourish, certain strict actions must be taken by sidelining bogus sports administrators in J&K. 

A transparent and accountable system must be established to promote the selection of rural youth in different games. The government must increase funding for sports infrastructure in backward areas as a top priority. Although the recent budget increase for sports in J&K is a good start, implementation must be accelerated and closely watched to ensure efficient use in both regions. Involving more private organizations in programs like "adopt a stadium" could aid in the financing and upkeep of sports facilities. Such programs should be made a permanent part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives focusing on sports development in J&K. 

The businesses should be involved in setting up mini-stadiums or community sports centers in every district, focusing on multi-sport facilities. First, existing sports facilities that are underutilized or poorly maintained must be restored under CSR. If done in the true sense, sports can positively engage rural youth by building a sports culture from the ‘ground to every home’. Second, supporting and organizing local tournaments and school competitions for different sports is another way to promote sports in young children. This grassroot strategy incorporates community involvement in sports development while simultaneously promoting sports. 

In conclusion, while Jammu and Kashmir face significant challenges in sports infrastructure, there are clear and actionable pathways to improvement. By focusing on both the construction of new facilities and the maintenance of existing ones, coupled with strategic governmental and private sector involvement, Jammu and Kashmir can transform into a sports hub. With this, the youth in both urban and rural areas will get opportunities to excel on national and international platforms. This change would not only enhance sporting achievements but also contribute to the socio-economic fabric of both regions.

Government Job Aspirants Flooding Coaching Institutes

Go out any day and you will find government job aspirants flooding coaching institutes in Jammu’s several localities. This phenomenon has transformed many residential areas into bustling commercial hubs, known for these ‘teaching shops’. Numerous institutes in the city serve students preparing for government employment exams across different services. The surge in demand for government positions stems from limited job opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir’s private sector.  Moreover, the government is the biggest employer in J&K and lack of job security in the private sector is another key factor for youth looking more towards government. Consequently, these institutes are filled with lakhs of aspirants seeking government jobs.  Nevertheless, attending these coaching centers can be challenging, as they charge steep fees. The commercialization is to such an extent that even basic facilities are missing at some of these institutes which operate in tight lanes of old Jammu city. 

This raises an important question: who bears responsibility for this situation - the government or society? Regardless of the answer, one clear outcome remains that unemployment has silenced the cries of struggling families and young people eager to find work and earn a livelihood. It is essential to sense the issue and seek lasting solutions, as Jammu and Kashmir faces a significant job crisis.  Some argue that employment generation is underway since industries have begun operating, which should boost job opportunities in coming months. However, those pursuing this belief overlook the gap between ‘policy commitments’ and ‘actual results’. In J&K, for instance, MBA graduates are working as salespeople for just ten to fifteen thousand rupees monthly. While there are others in rural areas with master’s degrees who are attempting to find jobs through government initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). 

Such situations, combined with youths' desperation due to job scarcity, contribute to the rise of the ‘coaching culture’, as these centers promote the notion of 'guaranteed success’. Unemployment needs to be addressed urgently by the newly formed government in J&K. The recent example of over 5.59 lakh candidates in Jammu and Kashmir taking exams for 4,002 police constable vacancies reflects that timely employment opportunities must be created for aspirants to qualify for government jobs. Additionally, some families these days are involving counselors and psychologists to provide psychotherapeutic help to children suffering from stress or depression due to rising unemployment. Moreover, the increasing cases of student suicide and the need to save young people from being exploited by this ‘coaching culture’ underscore that reform in the existing system of recruitment examinations could help reduce unemployment pressure.

Mere implementation of the guidelines in J&K will not fix the problem for the government. It should be ensured that all government department vacancies are monitored periodically, and those department heads not conforming to the timely recruitment process must face action. To address these challenges, the Jammu and Kashmir government should not only strengthen the infrastructure and adopt advanced technological interventions but also work to reduce the level of competition in these examinations by creating more employment avenues. According to the India Employment Report 2024, the share of youngsters with secondary or higher education among the total unemployed youth has nearly doubled from 35.2 percent in 2000 to 65.7 percent in 2022. Let’s hope that the current crisis will prompt much-needed reforms in the J&K government sector and bring relief to young people.

Limit Screen Time For Young Children

Our everyday life is so much monitored and controlled by technology that young children too are getting overexposed to technology at our homes. Technology penetration is so much that it is hard to avoid the negative effects of screen time on children. At a much younger age, especially between the ages of one to six, content on smartphones, tablets, television, video games, computers, or wearable technology is being played during mealtimes at many houses for children. Technology has become a means of ‘social learning’ for this new generation. However, many scientific reports have proven that this early screen exposure affects children’s physical and social health. Still, parents don’t pay attention to this and actively play content for their children for many hours every day. 

The impact of screen time on children in early childhood can have damaging health outcomes. The first five years are said to be crucial years of a child’s brain development. And more time in front of a screen can also influence the brain’s growth. This could result in poor social skills due to lack of interaction, language development, learning, reading, poor control of emotions, attention deficit, sleep problems, obesity, myopia, poor posture, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, chronic cardiovascular problems in the long term, etc. This all goes unnoticed in many houses and this problem should be fixed to reduce the harm being caused to children's skill development.

Parents should make functional changes in their homes to prevent young children’s exposure to screens.  Moreover, it is not the sole responsibility of parents to do this but also of school management and staff. Because this ‘screen trend’ has entered kindergarten/preschools where children of two to six years are exposed to more than one hour of screen time every day.  All parents don’t realize the real impact of screen time because their calculation of screen time is just being done at home without understanding their child’s exposure at kindergarten/preschool. With this excessive total daytime exposure, addictive behavior can be developed at a young age.

Let’s make sure that parents as decision makers take steps to regulate their child’s screen time and keep them away from technology. It is also important that steps are taken to regulate present-day traditional settings in kindergartens/preschools. This will at least have a moderately positive effect on children using gadgets to ‘watch’ and ‘play’.  Rules will be there at home and in kindergarten/preschools, but the need is to develop things that help children interact and learn also while staying away from the world of technology, games, etc. So, what can parents do? It's important to offer children alternatives because your child will complain about being bored or unhappy without access to technology.

Some suggestions are that firstly, you must develop confidence within your family that entertaining your children doesn’t have to be done through screens only. Secondly, work on the type of content your child is being exposed and for that, you can limit their exposure by playing only interactive stories, educational games, and social games. Thirdly, encourage your child to watch programs in your presence about nature, science, arts, music, or history to build their knowledge. Fourthly, plan weekly time for hobbies, outdoor play, and activities with your children. Although it might be challenging at first, consistent efforts can greatly enhance a child's health and wellbeing, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.

Time To Reinvent Jammu

The newly elected government is back in Jammu and Kashmir. If you didn’t vote for any party and candidate that has formed and supported this government in J&K, then also Omar Abdullah will remain your Chief Minister. Now it is time for you to hold this government accountable as the role of opposition cannot be overlooked in the democratic process. However, while setting new expectations with this government don’t forget that things take time. In 2014, Jammu was assured that there would be an end to the legacy of regional oppression. Then in 2019, after Article 370 abrogation Jammu region became confident that the right time has emerged and now Jammu will be at the 'top'. 

But even until 2024, things didn’t reach up to people’s expectations and anger was visible many times among Jammu’s different communities over many issues. This regional political imbalance in the last ten years will again be a significant point of contention during Omar Abdullah's government. Also, for many decades, the Jammu region has struggled with policies in jobs, sports, agriculture, education, and other sectors that were unfairly implemented. Moreover, let’s not forget that Jammu has been subjected to higher tax collection while Kashmir received more funds. Such circumstances caused internal divisions within the Jammu and Kashmir regions. It is time to reinvent Jammu and craft a new narrative that in real terms brings Jammu and Kashmir closer. 

Jammu has its wish list which will be presented to Omar Abdullah once again through various platforms. The wish list will reflect simple desires to implement policies in jobs, sports, agriculture, education, and other sectors that end the unfair treatment of the Jammu region. And to replicate the success stories of other states with models of good governance and transparency, revival of law and order, the success of tourism plans in Jammu, achieve industrial success, and infrastructural achievements.  Everyone should work with this new government to end a long-standing issue of ‘inequality’ and ‘exploitation’ of the Jammu region. It will be a big task but by doing so, it will reflect the National Conference (NC) being responsive to the needs of the Jammu.

The way cabinet ministers from the Jammu region have got portfolios shows big 'hope' from NC and suggests that there is a positive change on the horizon. To do this, many new things must be tried, tested, and implemented by the NC. Jammu needs the leadership of Omar Abdullah to prove this all within his competencies and seize the political opportunity NC has got. This needs exemplary governance to end stagnation and shift political priorities to bring on-ground effectiveness in people’s lives. With less political pressure in Jammu & Kashmir’s apparatus, change can also come with the help of legendary officers known for their integrity, honesty, and strategic vision so that the government can deliver to the needs of the people and just not act like tarot card readers.

This time Jammu must regain its rightful place under the NC’s governance model. It is not just an 'aspirational thought' but very much feasible if an optimal balance is struck between the central government and the J&K government so that our population's long-term concerns are addressed. The framework for reinventing Jammu exists, previously it was with BJP leadership, and now NC is keen to give Jammu its rightful political place that it once occupied with tremendous pride. It is incumbent upon Jammuites to arrive at a crucial recognition that Omar Abdullah can solve our problems and fulfill our inherent demands. Time and again he has made gestures during the recent interaction with the media and in a way appealed to Jammuites to allow his party to deliver. These advances extended in good faith should not be rejected but held upon as a pivotal solution in shaping the future of the region.