SRINAGAR: School Education Department, Jammu & Kashmir has strongly rebutted the news report published in an English local daily newspaper on 18 July, 2025 with the headline ‘Mandatory subject: Union Education Ministry mulls to introduce Sanskrit in Kashmir schools from class 6th to 10th.’

In an official communiqué issued here, the department has taken serious note of a misleading news item circulating in certain sections of the media, which claims that Sanskrit is being introduced as a mandatory subject for classes 6th to 10th and an optional subject for classes 3rd to 5th in Kashmir division.

“The School Education department of J&K has not received any communication/direction from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, regarding mandatory/optional introduction of Sanskrit in the curriculum of School Education,” the department stated in the rebuttal.

Clarifying on the matter, the department said that the Secretariat of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor had received a representation from Shri Purshotam Lal Dube (NGO) for inclusion of Sanskrit in the schools / colleges of JKUT under the provisions of NEP 2020. The said communication was forwarded to Higher/ School Education department by Secretariat of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor.

Accordingly, School Education department J&K forwarded the communication of GAD to Director School Education Jammu /Kashmir for furnishing of comments in the matter. Subsequently, he communication was forwarded to the sub-offices for comments.

Further, the School Education department has stated that the department has not proposed, approved, or initiated any process for the inclusion of Sanskrit as a mandatory or optional subject in schools across Jammu & Kashmir. In the rebuttal the department said that it follows a transparent and consultative process for curriculum changes, in line with NEP 2020.

Any future decision regarding the inclusion of new subjects will be officially communicated through proper channels after due deliberation. Meanwhile, the public and media have been advised to verify facts from official sources before publishing such unfounded and baseless claims.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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