News Kashmir Magazine

Escalation in Covid across Jammu and Kashmir 

News Kashmir Exclusive

Coronavirus as global pandemic has wrecked havoc across countries and continents. Millions have been infected and one million deaths so far. 
In Jammu and Kashmir too the Coronavirus has impacted in much hard way with deaths crossing the one thousand mark. Jammu And Kashmir has now more than eighty thousand reported cases and more than 1200 dead with about sixty thousand recoveries. 
The expert voices are worried that people have become lazy while following necessary precautions as a result the Coronavirus is rapidly spreading in entire Jammu and Kashmir. 
Social functions like marriages and funerals are becoming unfortunately super spreaders in Jammu and Kashmir . 
Dr. Yasir Wani, a senior doctor often reflecting on Covid and quite vocal on precautions that need to be taken states :”When you lower your guard against Covid either by attending marriages or funerals giving two hoots to precautions, do think about those among your family and friends who aren’t as healthy as you are ! Those who are elderly, have comorbidities and those who are high risk for complications of Covid !Imagine the pain, guilt and the mental trauma of living with the thought that you were the reason for someone close to you losing the battle against covid just because you decided to have some quality time for once and attended a function where SOPs were thrown into the dustbin !Can one live with that GUILT ?Think about it ! Think hard !”

On the other hand, masses not adhering to the basic precautions has lead a wave of concern with no respite in offing. The need of the hour is to follow all precautions with utmost interest so that we are able to flatten the curve. 
The expert pulse is that in wake of vaccine being much long distance we can arrest thr rising tendency of Coronavirus graph only by wearing masks, adhering to social distance and rigorous handwashing. 

Cover 28 September Issue

National Education Policy

News Kashmir Desk 

In a major development for the overall education picture of the country, The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), which was approved by the Union Cabinet of India on 29 July 2020, and it outlines the vision of India’s new education system.The new policy replaces the previous National Policy on Education, 1986.The policy is a comprehensive framework for elementary education to higher education as well as vocational training in both rural and urban India. The policy aims to transform India’s education system by 2030.
Shortly after the release of the policy, the government clarified that no one will be forced to study any particular language and that the medium of instruction will not be shifted from English to any regional language.The language policy in NEP is a broad guideline and advisory in nature; and it is up to the states, institutions, and schools to decide on the implementation.Education in India is a Concurrent List subject.

The vision of policy is National Education Policy 2020 envisions an India-centric education system that contributes directly to transforming our nation sustainably into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society by providing high-quality education to all.The “10 + 2” structure will be replaced with “5+3+3+4” model.This will be implemented as follows:

• Foundational Stage: This is further subdivided into two parts: 3 years of preschool or anganwadi, followed by classes 1 and 2 in primary school. This will cover children of ages 3-8 years. The focus of studies will be in activity-based learning.
• Preparatory Stage: Classes 3 to 5, which will cover the ages of 8-11 years. It will gradually introduce subjects like speaking, reading, writing, physical education, languages, art, science and mathematics.
• Middle Stage: Classes 6 to 8, covering children between ages 11 and 14. It will introduce students to the more abstract concepts in subjects of mathematics, sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities.
• Secondary Stage: Classes 9 to 12, covering the ages of 14-19 years. It is again subdivided into two parts: classes 9 and 10 covering the first phase while classes 11 and 12 covering the second phase. These 4 years of study are intended to inculcate multidisciplinary study, coupled with depth and critical thinking. Multiple options of subjects will be provided .Instead of exams being held every academic year, school students will only answer three exams, in classes 3, 5 and 8.Board exams will be continued to be held for classes 10 and 12 but will be re-designed. Standards for this will be established by an assessment body, PARAKH.To make them easier, these exams would be conducted twice a year, with students being offered up to two attempts