Srinagar, April 2, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that Kashmiri language is already being taught as a subject in schools and steps are underway for its systematic implementation, responding to a private member’s resolution moved by Waheed Ur Rehman Parra in the Assembly.
According to an official reply from the School Education Department, Kashmiri has been introduced as a subject in a number of schools where it is currently taught as a full-fledged subject.
The response came after Parra proposed that the government mandate the use of Kashmiri language in the Kashmir division and identified Kashmiri-speaking areas.
The proposal had sought inclusion of Kashmiri in government notifications, public communications and official documents, along with its display on signboards and public information systems.
It also recommended teaching Kashmiri as a subject up to Class XII in schools located in such areas.
The issue assumes significance amid ongoing discussions on preservation and promotion of regional languages, particularly in the context of cultural identity and education policy in Jammu and Kashmir.
In its reply, the government said that implementation of Kashmiri language under the National Education Policy 2020 is being carried out at the Chief Education Officer level under the supervision of respective directorates.
Officials said the aim is to ensure structured and systematic introduction of the language in schools across relevant areas.
The dgovernment also highlighted that various cultural activities are being organised to promote Kashmiri language and heritage among students.
These include programmes such as Kala Utsav, debates, seminars, dramas and panel discussions conducted under the Cultural Education Wing. [KNT]
