JAMMU, Jul 12: Educationist Hilal Bhat has welcomed the government’s decision to recognise only one postgraduate (PG) degree for determining seniority and departmental promotions in the School Education Department, describing it as a progressive reform that will strengthen merit, specialisation and equitable career advancement.
In a statement, Bhat said the move would discourage the trend of acquiring multiple PG degrees solely for promotion benefits and instead promote academic specialisation. He observed that possessing several postgraduate degrees often creates disparities in seniority and weakens the very purpose of higher education.
He said the decision aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises quality over quantity in education. According to him, the reform will ensure fair cadre management, reduce anomalies in promotions and encourage teachers to focus on meaningful learning rather than accumulating redundant qualifications.
Quoting futurist Alvin Toffler, Bhat said, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn,” adding that true education is about acquiring knowledge and expertise rather than merely collecting degrees.