EDUCATION

The recent amendment to Jamia Millia Islamia’s PhD admission policy has sparked criticism, as it now gives individual departments the discretion to apply the 50% reservation for Muslim students rather than mandating it. This change, announced via an official notification on the university's website, has raised concerns about the potential dilution of the institution’s minority quota. The amendment was approved by Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif Khan on behalf of the Academic and Executive Councils, with Registrar Prof. M.D. Mehtab Alam formally signing the notification. According to the updated policy, “While granting admission to PhD programmes, the faculty/department/centre may pay due attention to JMI’s reservation policy adopted for admissions.” Previously, it was a mandatory r...

The Directorate of School Education Kashmir has ordered a change in school timings for government and private schools in the Kashmir Division, effective from April 1, 2025. As per an official order issued by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, new school timings for both government and private schools in the Kashmir Division have been announced, effective from April 1, 2025. The schools located within Srinagar Municipal limits will operate from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, while schools situated outside the municipal limits of Kashmir province will have new timings from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, read sthe order. The order mandates strict adherence to these new timings by all concerned institutions, warning that any deviation from the instructions will be taken seriously. (JKNS)

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu are studying cannabis to develop new treatments for cancer pain and other medical conditions. According to Daily Excelsior, their research has found that compounds in cannabis could help with pain management, epilepsy, and other health issues. Before these potential treatments can be used for patients, they must go through strict testing and approval processes. IIIM scientists have completed initial studies, including tests on animals and chemical analysis of cannabis extracts. However, they still need government approval to continue with clinical trials and large-scale manufacturing under regulated conditions. IIIM Director Dr. Zabeer Ahmed said the institute has applied for necessary permits to transp...

The Jammu Kashmir government has directed private coaching centers to provide free admission to students from underprivileged backgrounds, reserving 10% of seats for destitute children, orphans, and those from Below Poverty Line (BPL), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), and Priority Household (PHH) categories. The directive, issued under Rule 4(e) of the J&K Regulation of Private Tuition Center Rules, 2010, applies to coaching centers at the secondary and higher secondary levels, as well as those preparing students for undergraduate competitive examinations. "Eligible students must submit applications along with necessary documents—including qualification certificates and proof of economic status—to the Private Section of the Directorate of School Education, Muthi, Jammu, or apply via the ...

PhD scholars at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar staged a protest against the delay in the release of their fellowships for the past three months and demanded the appointment of a permanent director. Protesting scholars gathered near the gate of NIT Srinagar, carrying placards with "Release our Fellowships" written on them. The protesting scholars while speaking to media as per news agency JKNS that the delay in receiving fellowships has caused severe financial hardships. "We have been waiting for our fellowships for three months. It has become extremely difficult to manage daily expenses," one student said. They pointed out that non-local students are suffering the most, as they stay in rented accommodations. "Some students have even been forced to vacate their rente...

Jammu Kashmir government on Monday said that the region is facing a severe shortage of teachers due to the halt in recruitment since 2019, while no schools have been upgraded in the last two years, as the government currently has no policy for school upgradation. In response to a question by Shri Arjun Singh Raju, Education Minister Sakina Masood Itoo in a written reply informed the assembly as per news agency JKNS that teacher recruitment has been stalled since 2019 following a State Administrative Council (SAC) decision. The conversion of Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers to Grade-II and Grade-III posts has also been frozen, further affecting staff availability. Despite efforts through rationalization, engagement of Cluster Resource Coordinators (CRCs), and promotions, the shortage persi...

Suhail Dar Distressed over the shortage in staff, locals staged a protest outside the government higher secondary school, Furrah Anantnag. With around sixty-four students, the primary school struggles with appointing teachers with student drop-outs, locals told The Kashmiriyat. Din Mohammad Khan, a protestor, expressing his concerns, said, “For sixty-four students, there is only one teacher appointed. Also, when a teacher is appointed, an order is sent from the Director's office the next day to relieve the teacher. We urge the authorities to appoint teachers.”  “Almost 100 students were enrolled in the primary school just some time back, but they all dropped out due to a shortage in the teaching staff”, said another local protestor, adding that the school has been neglected by...

Kashmir University has allegedly terminated the services of over 40 contractual lecturers without formal notice, despite a Jammu and Kashmir High Court order directing the continuation of their employment. Details available with news agency JKNS stated that the J&K High Court, in its December 24, 2024, ruling, had instructed the university to retain these lecturers and refrain from making new appointments in their place. However, after the winter break, on March 4, 2025, department heads reportedly verbally informed the lecturers that their services were no longer required and instructed them not to enter classrooms or mark their attendance. Sources revealed to news agency JKNS that the verbal termination orders were issued on the instructions of the Vice-Chancellor of Kashmir...