Kulgam, Nov 16: A delegation of Media Studies met Education Minister Sakina Itoo in Kulgam on Saturday to advocate for the inclusion of Media Studies in Jammu & Kashmir’s senior secondary curriculum and the expansion of Mass Communication programs in colleges.
As per a statement, the delegation submitted a proposal to introduce media studies as a subject at senior secondary education.
Talking to the media, the representatives of the delegation said that “we have been struggling since 2015; the push for Media Studies began in 2015, with students and professionals emphasizing the need for media literacy. A 2020 proposal from the Directorate of School Education Kashmir has not been implemented, and despite 575 new lecturer positions announced, Media Studies remains excluded.”
States like Delhi, Kerala, and Maharashtra have successfully integrated Media Studies. In 2012, CBSE introduced it as a vocational subject, proving its benefits at the school level, the members of the delegation said.
The delegation members outlined key areas for the curriculum, including understanding the local media ecosystem and its influence, hands-on training in media production and digital content, focus on media ethics, conflict reporting, and digital literacy and study of cultural representation, media laws, and strategic communication.
The scholars urged the recruitment of qualified Assistant Professors, the introduction of Media Studies at senior secondary levels, and expansion of programs to every district.
Meanwhile, Sakeen Itoo expressed support, promising to review the proposal and looking forward to addressing this genuine demand.
The Minister assured them the matter will be looked into for appropriate redressal.
