Srinagar, Jan 1 (JKNS): In a significant step towards preserving and promoting regional languages, the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has announced the first-ever publication of Shina language textbooks for Classes I and II, marking a historic milestone in school education in the Union Territory.
According to JKBOSE, the initiative is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCFFS) 2022, which strongly advocate mother-tongue-based, multilingual and culturally responsive education at the foundational level. The textbooks have already been printed and distributed as per requisitions, ensuring their timely availability in schools.
The introduction of Shina textbooks is aimed at enabling children to begin their learning journey in their mother tongue, thereby strengthening foundational literacy, cognitive development and cultural connection among Shina-speaking students. The Board stated that this move reflects its sustained efforts to mainstream indigenous languages within the formal education system.
Developed strictly in accordance with NCF-FS 2022 guidelines, the textbooks adopt a play-based, activity-oriented and child-centric pedagogy. The age-appropriate content focuses on enhancing listening, speaking, early reading and writing skills, in line with the NEP 2020 vision of joyful, meaningful and culturally rooted learning.
JKBOSE reiterated that it has consistently played a proactive role in safeguarding the rich linguistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir through the introduction, revision and standardisation of curricula in regional languages. The Board emphasised that such initiatives are vital for preserving cultural diversity and ensuring its transmission to future generations through a well-structured curriculum and scheme of studies.
The Board further said that the publication of Shina textbooks goes beyond an academic exercise and represents a strategic effort to empower local communities, affirm linguistic identity and translate national policy mandates on multilingual education into classroom practice, particularly for Shina-speaking communities of J&K.
JKBOSE also placed on record its appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the textbook development committee, headed by Mr. Masood A. Samoon (IAS), and Prof. Musavir Ahmad of the Department of Linguistics, University of Kashmir, for their scholarly guidance and meticulous review, ensuring academic rigour and linguistic authenticity of the textbooks. (JKNS)
