July 24, 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has advocated for the holistic implementation of the National Education Policy, and urged educators to empower learners.
The chief minister was addressing a one-day conference on NEP-2020 themed ‘Empowering Education Leaders for Holistic Education’ in Srinagar on Tuesday.
Abdullah underscored the need for comprehensive, inclusive and locally adaptable implementation of the NEP 2020, calling it a visionary document whose success depends entirely on its understanding and execution at the grassroots level.
The chief minister declared, "The New Education Policy is now five years old," stressing the significance of reflection and course correction. This is the time to evaluate where we have succeeded, where we have fallen short, and what more can be done to implement it better”.
He stated that a policy is only as effective as its application and comprehension. Terming the NEP-2020 a “magnificent and far-reaching” framework, Abdullah stressed that the real change will come only when the policy is understood in its true spirit and implemented with sensitivity to local needs and realities.
Pointing to gaps in subject availability and staff, the chief minister said that many government schools and colleges are unable to offer a wide range of subjects due to faculty shortages.
Only a few schools in Jammu and Kashmir offer Urdu and Hindi instruction. Even regional languages like Kashmiri, Dogri, or Punjabi are taught in very limited number of institutions. Within the limits of our resources, these gaps must be filled gradually, he said. He also addressed the frequent comparisons between public and private schools, pointing out that public schools typically do not venture into areas where private schools do. “Setting up a school in Srinagar is easy. Try opening one in Machil, Gurez, or Tangdhar.
He stated, "Our teachers deserve recognition because they work in extremely difficult conditions away from the spotlight." In addition, Abdullah emphasized the significance of inclusive education. "Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, regardless of their physical or learning difficulties.
Are our schools truly inclusive and accessible to all? This workshop is a good step in that direction,” he said.
The chief minister expressed the hope that such engagements will continue to bring about positive changes in Jammu and Kashmir's educational system.