Kashmir Education

Sakeena Itoo Inaugurates First Batch of BHMS Students at GMC Kathua

January 21, 2025 by NOK Desk

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today visited Government Medical College, Kathua and presided over the induction ceremony of the first batch of students of Bachelors of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS).

MLA Kathua, Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Principal Government Medical College, Kathua, Dr. Surinder K. Attri, Registrar J&K Homeopathy Board and Nodal Officer Government Homeopathy Medical College Kathua, Dr. B.R. Dubb, heads of different specialities, medical professionals, senior officers and large number of students were also present on the occasion.

Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, Sakeena Itoo congratulated the first batch of 63 students of BHMS and their parents present there. She said that the institution will help in producing the able medical faculties to serve the local population and help in improving the healthcare facilities across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister highlighted that this is the first Government Homeopathy Medical College in North India. She added that the profession of doctors is a noble vocation as it is meant to serve the ailing people.

While speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bharat Bhushan congratulated the students and agencies who worked hard for establishment of Homeopathy Medical College in Kathua.

Dr. Surinder K. Attri, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the Minister for her whole hearted efforts to start the Government Homeopathy Medical College in Kathua. He said that the 30 bedded Homeopathy Hospital is already functioning and facilitating the people of Kathua in terms of medical facilities.

Registrar J&K Homeopathy Board and Nodal Officer Government Homeopathy Medical College Kathua, Dr. B.R. Dubb, while addressing on the occasion, said that presently 600 Homeopathy doctors are registered in the Union Territory and serving the people.

On the occasion, the first batch of BHMS students were also administered an oath to work for welfare of patients with dedication and zeal. The apron ceremony was also held in which the Minister made the students wear the white apron.

Later, the Minister inaugurated hostel for Senior/Junior Residents of GMC Kathua. She also inaugurated STIC of Fire Fighting system in GMC Kathua.

Kashmir Education

119 Government Schools in Jammu and Kashmir Function with Zero Student Enrolment

January 23, 2025January 19, 2025 by NOK Desk

The official figures previously had revealed that the primary schools category of government schools was hit badly wherein the count of overall public schools in Jammu and Kashmir reduced by nearly 30 percent.

According to the official figures a total of 12,977 government primary schools were functioning in Jammu and Kashmir. However, after the merger, only 8966 primary schools are functional.

Similarly, 392 government middle schools, three high schools and one higher secondary were deleted from the UDISE Plus list.

Stating the statistics of private and other schools, the official figures had previously revealed that there were a total of 5688 such educational institutes out of which only 5555 schools were functional as of now.

Overall, Jammu and Kashmir used to have 28,805 government and private schools. However, as per the official figures, the count had reduced to 24,279 schools.

Previously, the School Education Department had said that it had identified more than 1200 such government schools that were having low enrollment of students.

It had said that such schools would likely be merged in accordance to the catchment and feasibility of the students. In April-2022, School Education Department had said that it was all set to merge 720 government-run-schools of Jammu and Kashmir having an inadequate student enrollment.

Kashmir Education

Seminar at Syed Hassan Mantaquie Research Academy Celebrates the Legacy of Moulana Syed Mohammed Ashraf Andrabi,

January 19, 2025 by NOK Desk

The Syed Hassan Mantaquie Research Academy in Awantipora organized a one-day seminar to honor the remarkable contributions of three prominent Islamic scholars: Moulana Syed Mohammed Ashraf Andrabi, Moulana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, and Moulana Engineer Nazir Ahmad Mir Pampori. The event, held at Hotel Al Bake, Awantipora, was organized by the Academy’s Director, Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Wani.

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The seminar was presided over by renowned Islamic scholar, Mohtram Ajaz Ahmad Kakroo, who, in his presidential address, emphasized the importance of strengthening the bond of love with Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W), which he described as a unifying force among Muslims.

Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Wani, in his opening speech, elaborated on the significant contributions and multifaceted lives of Moulana Andrabi, Moulana Khan, and Moulana Mir, stressing the need for a research-based compilation of their biographies. He highlighted the impact of their work in shaping both Islamic thought and Kashmiri society.

During the event, I.G.N. Shaheen welcomed the guests and speakers, emphasizing the unparalleled contributions of the three scholars. He noted their lasting influence on the intellectual and spiritual life of Kashmiri Muslims. He also emphasized the importance of passing their teachings on to future generations.

Moulana Mohammed Amin Shah of Pulwama, a close associate and student of Moulana Syed Mohammed Ashraf Andrabi, began the seminar with a heartfelt recitation of Naat Sharief and shared insights into Moulana Andrabi’s deep knowledge, sincerity, and dedication to Islam. He praised Moulana Andrabi’s intellectual honesty and his immense contributions to both Islamic scholarship and the welfare of the people.

Justice Hasnain Msdoodi, in his compelling speech, applauded the organizers for holding such an important event to honor these great scholars. He urged the attendees to unite in their intellectual pursuits and fight against social evils, particularly the growing menace of drug abuse in the region.

Other distinguished speakers, including Rafi Ahmad Naik (MLA Tral), Prof. Mohammad Subhan, Dr. Sartaj, Fahad Fida, Muktar Ahmad, Naseer Ahmad, and Dr. Bashir Ahmad Dar, also highlighted various aspects of the scholars’ lives and teachings, emphasizing the need to carry forward their messages of love, brotherhood, and social harmony.

The seminar concluded with collective prayers and a strong resolve to continue the legacy of these scholars. The attendees committed to spreading the values of peace, unity, and spiritual enlightenment across the region, ensuring that their teachings resonate through generations to come.

Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Achieves National Recognition: CIED Earns 4-Star Ranking for Innovation and Startups

January 17, 2025 by NOK Desk

In a significant achievement, the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) at IUST has earned a 4-star ranking (out of 5) at the national level for the second consecutive year. Conferred by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, this honour recognizes IUST’s exceptional contribution to promoting innovation and startups in the country, with a focus on Jammu and Kashmir.

IUST has been a pioneer in establishing a comprehensive framework and policy to promote a thriving startup ecosystem, inspiring youth towards innovation and entrepreneurship. The University has collaborated with various national organizations to realize this vision, achieving significant progress in Jammu and Kashmir.

Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST, congratulated Prof Pervez Ahmad Mir, Director CIED, and his team for this prestigious recognition.He highlighted that the scope and scale of operations of the CIED have expanded significantly over the years, with the success stories of the CIED-supported entrepreneurs standing as a testament of their dedicated efforts. Prof. Romshoo emphasized that the focus on the training and capacity building initiatives for youth would have a multiplier effect, paving the way for a vibrant starup community in the region.

He added that India’s startup journey has become a global success story, as reflected in the improved Global innovation ranking during the last decade. He urged the IUST team to encourage more youth to innovate, embrace emerging technologies in businesses and develop solutions to societal challenges.

Prof. Romshoo expressed confidence that this national recognition would further galvanize IUST’s efforts to lead the community towards a prosperous future.(KNS)

Kashmir Education

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Issues Show-Cause Notices to 29 Schools for Enrollment Irregularities

January 17, 2025 by NOK Desk

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced on Thursday that it has issued show-cause notices to 29 schools in Delhi and five other states for alleged violations related to enrollment irregularities and failure to meet academic and infrastructural standards.

The showcase notices were severed after surprise inspections in schools across multiple locations on December 18 and 19, 2024.

The inspections revealed violations of CBSE’s Affiliation Bye-Laws, particularly concerning student enrollment practices and non-compliance with academic and infrastructural standards, CBSE said in a statement on Thursday.

The inspections took place in Delhi on December 18 and in Bengaluru (Karnataka), Patna (Bihar), Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), and Ahmedabad (Gujarat) on December 19.

“Upon careful examination of the reports submitted by the inspection teams, it was observed that a

majority of these schools had violated CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws. Key violations identified include Enrollment Irregularities and non-compliance with Academic and Infrastructural Norms,” the statement read.

Several schools were found to have enrolled students beyond their actual attendance records, thereby endorsing “non-attending” enrollments. Additionally, numerous schools were found to be flouting CBSE guidelines regarding academic standards and infrastructure.

The schools involved have now been issued show-cause notices by CBSE, with a directive to submit their replies within 30 days.

“Each school has been provided with a copy of the respective inspection report and has been directed to submit their replies within 30 days,” the statement read.

“CBSE remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of education and will continue to take stringent measures against any violations of its regulations,” a statement from the board read.

The list of schools that have been issued show-cause notices includes a range of institutions across the country. In Delhi, schools such as Hope Hall Foundation School, Jagriti Public School, Oxford Public School, JN Int School, and Nav Gian Deep Public School were among those found in violation. Others include S D Memorial Vidya Mandir, Navyug Convent School, and C R Oasis Convent School.

In Bengaluru, Sri Chaitanya Techno School and Narayana Olympiad School were inspected. Patna’s Satyam International and Eklavya Educational Complex were also found to be non-compliant with CBSE standards. In Varanasi, Raj English School, Happy Model School, and St K C Memorial English School were scrutinized, while in Ahmedabad, Nirman High School and The New Tulip International School faced similar issues. In Bilaspur, both Modern Educational Academy and Intelligent Public School were inspected. (ANI)

Kashmir Education

Law Student Suhail Farooq Debuts with Inspirational Book ‘From a Victim to a Lawyer’

January 10, 2025 by NOK Desk

Suhail Farooq, a law student at Kashmir University, has published his debut book titled From a Victim to a Lawyer: A Societal Pressure. The book explores the journey of a protagonist who escapes societal challenges and criminal influences to pursue a career in law. Hailing from Aishmuqam village in Anantnag, Suhail is the first author from his area to publish a book.

From a Victim to a Lawyer tells the story of an individual overcoming societal pressures and finding a new purpose in life through self-awareness and education. The book addresses broader social issues and aims to inspire readers facing similar struggles. Suhail expressed gratitude to his parents and friends for their support during his writing journey, hoping the book reaches a wide audience, especially those with a background in law.

Director School Education Kashmir Takes Strong Note Regarding Unauthorized Textbooks in Private Schools

January 5, 2025 by NOK Desk

The School Education Department on Sunday has taken firm action following complaints about private schools prescribing textbooks in violation of departmental norms.

In a. Handout to GNS a spokesman for DSEK said that the Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK), Dr. G. N. Itoo, announced after meetings with school heads, parents, and department officials that private institutions must upload details of prescribed textbooks to their websites within three days.

Amid rising concerns over unauthorized tuition fee hikes and textbook selections, the DSEK reaffirmed the need for private schools to strictly adhere to guidelines issued by the department and the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC), he said.

To ensure compliance, monitoring committees have been formed at the district level. The initiative follows consultations with senior education officers, including Joint Director Elementary Education Mohd Mushtaq and CEO Srinagar Shabina Kyser, he said.

Dr. Itoo emphasized daily monitoring and directed Chief Education Officers to oversee and report on the situation, ensuring private schools operate within the set regulations, reads the statement.(GNS)

Kashmir Education

Two Kashmiri School Heads Javed Ahmed Banda and Rehana Qaunsar Win National Leadership Award 2025 for Innovative Practices

January 5, 2025 by NOK Desk

Two Kashmiri School Heads Win National Leadership Award

Two School Heads from Kashmir have been selected for the National Leadership Award 2025 by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi.Javed Ahmed Banday, Principal of Government BHSS Beerwah (National Awardee), and Rehana Qaunsar, Headmaster of Government BMS Yarikalan Budgam, have brought laurels to J&K by receiving the National School Leaders Award 2025 for innovations in school governance and pedagogical practices.

The award will be conferred by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, at the National Level School Leadership Conference in New Delhi from January 8-10, 2025 The School Education Department of J&K has congratulated these school heads for the exemplary work they are doing in their respective schools.”

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Textbooks will Be Available By End of January : Sakina Itoo Minister for Education and Health

January 3, 2025 by NOK Desk

Sakina Itoo Minister for Education and Health, on Thursday said that the textbooks for the current academic session will be available by the end of January, addressing concerns arising from the recently implemented academic calendar changes.
Speaking to the reporters during the media interaction at SKICC Srinagar, Sakina Itoo said that the shift in the academic session from summer zone to winter zone had impacted the timely availability of textbooks.
“All the textbooks for the current academic session will be available by the end of this month, January. The committee has already been framed upon the district and zonal levels to monitor the private schools that are forcing the students to purchase specific books in the private schools, “ltoo said.
She said that the people must bring their grievances to our notice, so we can’t take strict action against those private schools, and other private schools will also stop these activities in their schools.

“The winter coaching centers in the Kashmir Valley, which have remained closed since the last few into the region, recently the school education department has also issued an order for the starting of the winter coaching centres in the Kashmir Valley. However, the winter coaching centers have been started again in the Kashmir division, “she said.
When asked about the relaxation of the syllabus into the JKBOSE Examinations, the Minister for Education said that there will not be any kind of relaxation into the Board exams for 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The date sheets for board examinations have already been released in Jammu and Kashmir. As we have already visited different schools and talked to the students regarding the completion of the syllabus for all the classes. The students have told us that they are ready for the examinations, and they already completed their syllabus in the schools.

Islamic University of Science and Technology Awantipora Launches Online Certificate Course in Arabic

January 2, 2025 by NOK Desk

The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, has taken a commendable step towards promoting linguistic skills by introducing an Online Certificate Course in Arabic. This programme is designed for individuals keen on learning Arabic, catering to various proficiency levels.

Course Details:

Arabic for Non-Native Speakers
- Schedule: Every Wednesday, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Instructor: Dr. Sajjad Rashid
Essential Arabic Grammar
- Schedule: Every Saturday, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Instructor: Dr. Waseem Hassan Raja
Arabic for Beginners
- Schedule: Every Sunday, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Instructor: Dr. Mohammad Yousuf Mir

This initiative is ideal for students, professionals, and enthusiasts seeking to enhance their understanding of the Arabic language. The sessions aim to build both practical and theoretical knowledge, fostering a deeper appreciation of the language.

For more information, interested participants are encouraged to contact the university or visit its official website.

Enrol now and embark on your journey to mastering Arabic!