J&K Positioned to Become National Education Hub, Says MLA Farooq Shah

Leh, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: National Conference Leader and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Gulmarg constituency Farooq Ahmad Shah has articulated a vision for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to transform into a national education hub, particularly in the fields of information technology and quality education. This declaration came during an educational conclave held in Srinagar, where Shah addressed school leaders and stakeholders in the education sector, emphasizing the region's potential to attract students from across India.

The educational conclave 2026, organized by Infonet Technologies in collaboration with the Private Schools Association J&K (PSAJK) and Education World, served as a platform for discussing the future of education in the region. Shah highlighted the favorable conditions that J&K possesses for establishing boarding schools, drawing a parallel with renowned educational destinations like Kota, which is known for its coaching centers and academic excellence. He expressed optimism that with the development of quality institutions and a supportive academic environment, J&K could emerge as a preferred educational center in the country.

However, Shah was clear in his message that education should not be viewed merely as a business venture. He urged private school managements to approach education with a sense of mission and commitment to nation-building, rather than focusing on profit margins. "Private educational institutions should not compare themselves with industrial or commercial ventures and instead focus on providing quality education and shaping responsible citizens," he stated. This sentiment underscores a growing concern among educators and policymakers that the commercialization of education may detract from its fundamental purpose of fostering knowledge and character in students.

In his remarks, Shah acknowledged the vital role that private schools play in the educational landscape of J&K, noting that they are an integral part of the system rather than adversaries to government schools. He recognized that while private institutions are entitled to recover operational costs, profit-making should not be their primary objective. This perspective aligns with a broader educational philosophy that prioritizes the holistic development of students over financial gain.

The MLA also called for a renewed focus on character-building within the educational framework. He emphasized the need for schools to allocate time each day for moral education, stating, "Academic excellence alone is not sufficient in the present social environment. At least some time every morning should be dedicated to moral education." This call for integrating moral and ethical teachings into the curriculum reflects a growing recognition of the importance of nurturing well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.

Addressing the impact of technology on education, Shah pointed out that schools and teachers bear a significant responsibility in guiding children, especially in an era where excessive use of mobile phones and the internet can lead to negative societal consequences. This concern resonates with global trends where educators are increasingly tasked with navigating the challenges posed by digital distractions and ensuring that students engage meaningfully with their educational content.

In a complementary address, the Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Naseer Ahmad Wani stressed the importance of translating the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 into practical classroom applications. He articulated that effective school leadership, teacher capacity building, and the meaningful use of technology are critical components in enhancing learning outcomes. The NEP emphasizes competency-based education, which requires dedicated and inspired school leaders and teachers to foster innovation and a collaborative learning culture.

Wani highlighted that the School Education Department's priorities include strengthening foundational learning, promoting experiential and competency-based education, enhancing teachers' professional capacities, and integrating technology to improve educational outcomes. He reiterated that education is a collective responsibility, with both government and private sectors serving as partners in the overarching goal of nation-building.

In his remarks, Wani noted that while government schools are committed to inclusion and social responsibility, private institutions have made significant contributions through innovative teaching methods and effective institutional management. He advocated for a greater exchange of best practices between these entities to fortify the overall educational ecosystem in J&K.

Rouble Nagi, a globally recognized educator and social activist, also spoke at the conclave, emphasizing the need for a collective effort among educators, parents, and society to ensure that every child remains in school. She pointed out that education must extend beyond the confines of the classroom to effectively address dropout rates. Nagi underscored that every child, regardless of gender or social background, has an inherent right to quality education that is rooted in values and purpose. Drawing from her extensive experience working in underserved communities, she highlighted that the challenges facing education today are not limited to infrastructure but also encompass changing societal attitudes towards learning.

She challenged stakeholders to focus on their contributions to the education system rather than placing blame on external factors. Nagi urged teachers to pay equal attention to academically weaker students, advocating for a more inclusive approach to education that fosters confidence and resilience among all learners. "Teachers play a decisive role in restoring confidence among struggling students and preventing them from giving up," she asserted, emphasizing the transformative power of compassionate and attentive teaching.

In conclusion, the president of PSAJK, Nazrul Islam Baba, expressed the association's commitment to bringing world-class educational practices to J&K. He acknowledged that the educational conclave aimed to empower school leaders with global perspectives while remaining grounded in local values. The discussions and insights shared during the conclave reflect a broader aspiration for J&K to not only enhance its educational framework but also to position itself as a leader in the national education landscape, fostering a generation of informed, skilled, and responsible citizens.

As J&K moves forward in this endeavor, the implications of such initiatives could be far-reaching, potentially transforming the region into a beacon of educational excellence and innovation. The collaborative efforts between government and private institutions, along with the emphasis on holistic education, could pave the way for a brighter future for students in J&K and beyond.