Launches first-ever textbooks in Shina
JAMMU, JANUARY 01: Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education has discarded the old syllabus which was in vogue for the Failure students. The failure/ re-appear candidates of classes 10, 11 and 12 under the old syllabus were accordingly given multiple chances to pass the examination.
In line with the Board regulations, the syllabus has already outlived its validity and thus no further chances will be given to failure/ re- appear students to take up examinations under the old scheme of studies.
According to a notification issued by the Board, the concerned candidates have been advised to prepare as per the new syllabus for the annual private/ bi-annual examinations slated later this year after the conclusion of the summer zone examinations and the declaration of the annual results.
The notification has been issued well in advance to advise the students of the old course to timely switch over to the new syllabus for appearing in annual private/ bi-annual examinations in 2026 and thereafter.
It has been observed that the number of students who still have not cleared the examinations under the old scheme of studies is insignificant.
Meanwhile, in a landmark move to promote and preserve regional languages, the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has announced the maiden publication of textbooks for the Shina language (Classes I and II).
The initiative aligns seamlessly with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCFFS) 2022, which advocate mother-tongue-based, multilingual, and culturally responsive education at the foundational level.
The textbooks have already been printed and distributed as per requisition, ensuring timely availability for classroom use.
The introduction of the Shina textbooks marks a milestone in JKBOSE’s sustained efforts to mainstream indigenous languages in school education. By enabling children to begin learning in their mother tongue, the Board aims to strengthen foundational literacy, cognitive development, and cultural connection among Shina-speaking learners.
Developed strictly as per NCF-FS 2022 guidelines, the textbooks follow a play-based, activity-oriented, and child-centric pedagogy. The age-appropriate content focuses on developing listening, speaking, early reading, and writing skills, in keeping with the NEP 2020 vision of joyful and meaningful learning rooted in local culture.
JKBOSE has consistently played a proactive role in the promotion and protection of Jammu & Kashmir’s rich linguistic heritage. Through the introduction, revision, and standardization of curricula in regional languages, the Board has been endeavouring to protect rich cultural diversity and its transmission to future generations through well- knit curriculum and scheme of studies.
The publication of Shina textbooks further reinforces JKBOSE’s commitment to linguistic inclusivity and cultural preservation. More than an academic initiative, this step represents a strategic effort to empower local communities, affirm linguistic identity, and translate national policy mandates on multilingual education into classroom practice, especially for the Shina-speaking communities of J&K.
Meanwhile, JKBOSE appreciated the dedicated efforts of the textbook development committee, headed by Masood A. Samoon and Prof. Musavir Ahmad, Department of Linguistics, University of Kashmir, for their scholarly guidance and meticulous review of the textbooks, ensuring academic rigour and linguistic authenticity. (Inputs from KNS)
