By Prof.S.K.Bhalla
No nation can progress without a well meaning and responsive education system. However, despite massive reforms in this significant sector, the present educational scenario in our Union Territory is on a bumpy road. Coming to the core issue, at present which has become a huge headache for the stakeholders viz parents and students, it is being expressedly expressed that Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) is undergoing a turmoil of sorts by way of its prolonged functioning without a Chairman.
An alarming reality speaks volumes about administrative apathy. At a time when students face intense academic pressure, curricular transitions, and competitive national benchmarks, the absence of permanent leadership at JKBOSE is not a mere procedural lapse; it is a systemic failure with far-reaching consequences. Admittedly, JKBOSE is responsible for the academic future of lakhs of students across diverse and often challenging terrains. Yet, policy paralysis has become its defining feature. Examination reforms, timely declaration of results, syllabus rationalisation, digital upgradation and grievance redressal all demand decisive leadership. In the absence of a chairperson, the Board banks upon ad-hocism, where crucial decisions are delayed, accountability blurred, and long-term planning virtually non-existent. This approach shows non seriousness prevailing among those presiding over the destiny of our wards.
For almost an year, the JKBOSE is a headless organization. The cumbersome endeavours of the CM Omar Abdullah led government to initiate the process for appointment of Chairman resulted in short listing of candidates. The final outcome proved to be damp squib as none in the shortlisted panel found to be extraordinarily eligible for the top slot. Later on, another panel of reportedly three became the talk of the UT. Up till, now the government has failed to make its mind to appoint one most capable guy to occupy the hot seat in JKBOSE. If education truly remains a “top priority” for Mr. Omar’s government, as often claimed, why one of its most critical institutions is devoid of a Head? The message being conveyed outrageous that school education can be managed on autopilot.