Change in Kashmir academic session led to delay: Sakina Masood on textbook shortage issue

Srinagar, Jan 02: The minister for education Sakina Masood on Thursday said there was a delay in availability of textbooks due to the change in academic session in schools.Talking to media persons during media interaction in Srinagar, education minister however assured that the J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) textbooks would be made available by January ending.There has been a delay in availability of JKBOSE textbooks as the academic session was changed from March to November. But we have taken cognizance of the issue and the textbooks will be made available by the end of this month,” the education minister said.As already reported, the J&K Government in October 2024 announced the restoration of the November session for schools up to class 9th. The announcement was followed by issuance of formal order and notification of uniform date sheet for students up to class 9th for their Term-II summative examination at school level.As already reported by this newspaper, the issue about the timely availability of textbooks came to limelight soon after the announcement of winter vacation for schools across Kashmir.Citing past experiences, the stakeholders voiced concern over the delay in keeping textbooks available in market saying that the students get distracted during winter break which was otherwise utilised for academic purpose by the students.The Director academics JKBOSE earlier told Greater Kashmir that a major lot of textbooks was printed as the orders were placed on time due to which the printing of textbooks started early”We always remain ready. Because textbooks go through different process including review of content and other process,” Director academics Dr. Sudhir Singh earlier told Greater Kashmir.However, the JKBOSE claims have fallen flat after the acknowledgement of the education minister about the delay in availability of textbooks.Meanwhile, about the complaints pouring in from different district against private schools forcing parents to purchase textbooks of private publishers, the minister said the action will be taken against such schools.She said the education department has already constituted zonal and district committees to address these issues. “The parents should report these complaints to the committees and action as per law will follow,” she said.