Major Administrative Reshuffle expected in JK within days

Srinagar, Jun 12 (KNO): In the wake of a newly formed central cabinet, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is poised for a significant administrative reshuffle.

Anticipated in the coming days, this shake-up will involve substantial transfers within the civil administration, affecting key postings in departments such as Public Works (PWD), Finance, and Education.

Reliable sources told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the primary objective behind this reshuffle is to enhance the efficiency and coordination of various critical departments in the region. “The union government closely monitors the functioning and progress of these departments, especially since the erstwhile state’s transition to a union territory.

Following a recent cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s office on June 10, a directive has been issued to the Jammu and Kashmir administration, emphasizing the need for prompt service delivery and the expeditious clearance of pending projects,” sources privy to the development told KNO.

A communique was sent to the Jammu and Kashmir administration following a cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister’s office on June 10, urging immediate measures to ensure the prompt delivery of government services and the establishment of a robust mechanism to clear pending projects. “Many developmental projects had been stalled due to the imposition of the Code of Conduct during the Lok Sabha elections. These projects are now being expedited at a rapid pace,” sources divulged.

It was informed further that several senior bureaucrats, who currently lead important departments, are likely to see changes in their postings. Performance evaluations will guide the decision-making process, ensuring that the right officials are placed in key roles. Notably, adjustments within the Public Works Department (PWD), Education, and Finance sectors are expected to be prominent features of this reshuffle—(KNO)

JKSCERT seeks inputs to conduct in-house exams of 8th class

Srinagar, Jun 12 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir State Council of Educational Research and Trainings (JKSCER) has sought inputs from concerned authorities from both regions in conducting the in-house exams of 8th class from the ongoing academic session.

Joint Director Central at JKSCERT said that it has sought inputs from its divisional offices for the conduct of in-house Middle Standard assessment for current academic session 2024-25.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), JKSCERT in a communique said that under the NEP-2020, “The aim of assessment in the culture of our schooling system will shift from one that is summative and primarily tests rote memorisation skills to one that is more regular and formative, is more competency-based, promotes learning and development for our students, and tests higher-order skills, such as analysis, critical thinking, and conceptual clarity.”

“JKSCERT conducted the Summative assessment of class 8th centrally at SCERT level as per the Student Assessment and Evaluation Scheme,” it reads.

The Council however said that “The conduct of the examination not only stretches over a long period of time thereby reducing the number of actual instructional days as envisaged in RTE Act 2009 resultantly increases the anxiety and stress level of students.”

“In this backdrop this Council is in the process of revisiting the Student Assessment and evaluation scheme wherein preference shall be given to the conduct of in-house assessment of class 8th on the pattern of CBSE Schools across the Country so as to avoid high stakes and stress among the young learners,” it reads.

The Council accordingly directed the concerned to share their candid and specific inputs with regard to conduct of in-house or school based class 8th assessment for current academic session. “The same may kindly be submitted within a weeks’ time positively for its onward submission to Administrative department.”—(KNO)