Srinagar, Feb 17: Under the chairmanship of Abdul Qayoom Wani, the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) expressed deep outrage over the continued negligence, incompetence, and arbitrary decision-making within the Jammu & Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE).
The Board, which should be a guardian of academic excellence, has instead become a hub of mismanagement, functioning with arrogance and a complete lack of accountability, reads a statement issued to the INS.
The latest revelation—where the phrase “State of Mind” has been absurdly changed to “UT of Mind”—is the hallmark of negligence and bureaucratic boredom that defines JKBOSE’s current approach. If it weren’t so serious, it would be laughable, but the fact remains that such mindless changes impact the very psyche of students and reflect a disturbing trend of unnecessary tampering with academic content, it reads.
“JKBOSE is clearly prioritizing political compulsions over academic integrity, showing utter disregard for education, culture, and logic.”
Furthermore, JKCSF condemned the deliberate removal of important figures from the syllabus, including Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA), Allama Iqbal (RA), and Agha Shahid Ali—personalities who embody the intellectual and spiritual heritage of Kashmir.
“Such irresponsible omissions raise serious questions about the motives behind syllabus modifications.”
JKCSF also takes strong exception to JKBOSE’s failures in conducting fair and transparent examinations and delay in distribution of text books, the hike in fees, errors in registration and results, the chaotic availability of textbooks, and the illogical pressure on exam staff to collect materials from Board offices despite JKBOSE having its own workforce—all point to a system that is in complete disarray. Reports of fourth-class staff visiting examination centers add to the growing concerns over the Board’s credibility, it reads.
JKCSF makes an earnest appeal to Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudahri to intervene and put an end to this cycle of blunders.
“We demand a high-level probe into JKBOSE’s functioning, ensuring that those responsible for repeated missteps are held accountable. Our children’s future cannot be left in the hands of an institution that refuses to listen, refuses to improve, and refuses to take responsibility.”
JKCSF demanded immediate reforms before it is too late.
