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BOSE textbooks following all NCERT standards: Peer

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 3/22/2017 11:42:47 PM

JAMMU, Mar 22: The Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education (BOSE) Director Academician Dr Farooq Ahmad Peer has stated that the Board has reviewed and developed syllabi, courses of studies and textbooks from first primary to class 12th as per the guidelines and recommendations of National Curriculum Framework-2005 which is a seminal document on the National Education Policy so as to have uniformity in the education system throughout the country.
In a press statement, Peer, while reacting to debate over the adoption of J&K state BOSE textbooks, said the BOSE textbooks are age appropriate, following all NCERT standards in this regard. “The much discussed NCERT's national document in this regard is a learning indicator. This document gives us curricular expectations and competencies that are brought about through certain pedagogical processes. The fact of the matter is that the BOSE books are developed keeping such documents in mind,” he said.
“Why some people with vested interest keep on voicing that these books are below standard is because their own books, in many cases, are lacking in what should be prescribed or expected at a particular age. The BOSE books seem easy because they don't focus on knowledge giving in the form of information but knowledge construction by way of thinking and doing. This is the spirit behind the BOSE books. This has facilitated our students to compete at national and international level and have enough content on local aspects enabling children to understand the society in which they live,” Peer said.
It was pointed out in the statement that over the years the JKBOSE improved the quality of printing and content. “It is in constant process of evolution. The process of revision and updation is dynamic and ever evolving. The JKBOSE has revised and updated almost all the textbooks till date. It has signed MOU with NCERT to adopt and adapt the contents; there is no question of producing low quality of textbooks as compared to that of private publishers. All the BOSE textbooks are compliant with National Curriculum Framework 2005 which can be found in curricular load and information knowledge of the books of the BOSE. It recommends contextualized textbooks, learning to move away from textbook and connects with the actual life and riddance from rote. The fact is that the BOSE books adhere to all these standards and changes, if any, are effected accordingly, it is true that it takes some time to modify certain portions and parts of the textbook, but it is because the BOSE has to consult many stakeholders in this regard to see whether the change is feasible and appropriate. Moreover, the BOSE textbooks are cost effective and are affordable to all sections of the student community,” the statement added.
Peer pointed out many private school owners aired an impression that the JKBOSE books were not based on NCERT guidelines. “This too is far from the truth. They agree that NCERT books are good and we also know that many students study NCERT books to develop their base to prepare for competitive examinations. This lends good credibility to NCERT books and their standard. In this regard the fact remains that the BOSE textbooks are 80-85 percent NCERT based and almost 15 percent of the content is modified by the state experts to include the local context with minor changes in the content and changes in exercises at the end to keep the future generation abreast with the state's information & knowledge. The textbooks developed by JKBOSE strictly follow the guidelines of NCF that aims at placing the child in his own environment. In order to create a bonding and affinity of children with their own culture, roots and society, the books developed by JKBOSE are properly contextualized with local specific touch and infusion thus creating a sense of belongingness which is missing in the Books offered by private publishers.,” it was stated.
As per " The Jammu & Kashmir State Board of School Education Act 1975" Chapter-II, Section- 9,Sub section-(i) the JKBOSE has the mandate to prescribe the courses of instructions, prepare curricula and detailed syllabi and also prescribe textbooks for the elementary, secondary school and higher secondary school examinations. Furthermore, under subsection (xxviii) the JKBOSE has mandate to undertake editing, printing and publication of textbooks for various courses as the Board may deem proper and viable.
“With regard to the baseless allegations by Private School Association of Kashmir regarding the experts in textbook development, it is pertinent to mention that the subject expert panel consists of reputed teachers, writers, academicians and translators. The JKBOSE invites experts who are specialized consultants in primary, elementary and secondary education from the national institutes and other eminent writers for the development of the textbooks. The experts nominated from the national level organization as well as local experts from the schools, colleges and universities; besides the eminent literary personalities are taken on board for the creation of textual material. Moreover the Academic Division always welcomes the participation of relevant people in the development of textbooks and this exercise is done frequently,” Peer stated.
CBSE from academic session 2017 onwards shall prescribe the textbooks of NCERT as per the guidelines of NCF-2005 to ensure uniformity of course content, the statement added.