By Staff Reporter
Srinagar 13 Jan(KNB): Despite sustained demand from students, parents, educationists and media professionals, the subject of Mass Communication and Journalism is yet to be introduced at the +2 level in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, raising serious questions about policy delays and priority-setting in school education.
The demand, first raised more than a decade ago, has gained renewed momentum in recent years with repeated representations submitted to the government. Stakeholders argue that in an era dominated by digital media, social networking platforms and instant news cycles, the absence of formal media education at the school level has left students academically and professionally disadvantaged.“Many of us are interested in journalism, filmmaking, digital content creation and public relations, but we don’t get exposure at the school level. Introducing Media Studies at 10+2 will help us make informed career choices,” said Mohd Yaseen Ganaie, a Class XI student.
Educationists point out that Mass Communication is no longer a niche discipline limited to higher education. “Media literacy has become a basic requirement,” said a senior academician. “Students are already active participants in the media space, but without structured training in ethics, verification and responsible communication.”
According to official sources, the proposal for introducing the subject has moved through various administrative levels.
Recommendations have reportedly been sought from concerned directorates, and the relevance of the subject has been acknowledged in principle. However, no final decision has been taken so far, leading to frustration among aspirants and their families.
Parents say the delay limits academic choice and career planning. “Our children are forced to choose from a limited set of traditional subjects, even when new career avenues are emerging,” said a parent from north Kashmir. “Mass Communication offers skill-based learning and employability, which the system keeps talking about but fails to deliver.”
Media professionals have also expressed concern, stating that early exposure to journalism and communication studies is crucial for developing ethical and professionally trained media workers. “Quality journalism cannot be built overnight at the graduation level,” said a senior journalist. “It requires early grooming and academic grounding.”
The issue has also been linked to broader education reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP), which emphasises multidisciplinary learning and flexibility in subject selection. Experts argue that the continued exclusion of Mass Communication at the +2 level runs contrary to these stated objectives.“Mass Communication fits squarely within NEP 2020 objectives,” an educationist noted. “Its continued exclusion at +2 level contradicts the very reforms the government claims to support.” Another educationist opined that “This is not a radical demand. It is a logical, long-pending reform.”
With another academic session approaching, stakeholders are urging the government to expedite the decision-making process and introduce Mass Communication and Journalism as an optional subject in higher secondary schools across the UT.
As demands grow louder, the delay has sparked a wider debate on whether the education system in Jammu and Kashmir is keeping pace with the changing realities of the modern world—or leaving its students behind.(KNB)