JAMMU, Oct 12: The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), J&K, Divisional Office Jammu, organised a two-day orientation programme on “Reforming Assessment Practices through Holistic Progress Cards to Address Rashtriya Sarvekshan Findings with Competency-Based Assessment” at Kissan Kendra, Talab Tillo, Jammu, with the objective of strengthening assessment practices in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curricular Frameworks.
The event was graced by Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, School Education Department, J&K, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, Director, School Education Jammu and Director, SCERT J&K, as the Guest of Honour. Senior officers of the Directorate of School Education Jammu, who also joined the programme including, Manisha, Personal Officer, Mohd. Mushtaq and Anil Salgotra, Joint Directors, DSEJ. The participants included, Chief Education Officers (CEOs), Principals of District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), and Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) from Jammu Division, providing an important platform for deliberations on contemporary assessment reforms and their effective implementation across schools.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and educational excellence. Prof. Sindhu Kapoor, Joint Director, SCERT J&K, Divisional Office Jammu, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, and other dignitaries.
In her address, she highlighted the significance of the orientation in fostering a shared understanding of evolving assessment practices and strengthening institutional commitment towards improving the quality of school education.
Rakesh Kumar Chobber, Coordinator of the Programme, presented the concept note, outlining the rationale, objectives and significance of the orientation. He highlighted the need to move beyond conventional examination-oriented practices towards learner-centred, competency-based and formative assessment approaches in consonance with the vision of NEP 2020.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, Director SCERT, J&K and Director School Education, Jammu, emphasised the critical role of educational leadership in translating national policy provisions into effective institutional practices.
He highlighted the need for systematic academic planning, sustained professional capacity-building and evidence-based interventions to address learning gaps identified through Rashtriya Sarvekshan. He further stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among educational functionaries to strengthen school-level academic processes and improve learning outcomes.
In his presidential address, Ram Niwas Sharma, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, School Education Department, J&K, underscored the importance of translating the vision of NEP 2020 and the National Curricular Frameworks into tangible improvements in school education.
He emphasised the need for a fundamental shift from rote memorisation and examination-driven instruction towards conceptual understanding, critical thinking and the practical application of knowledge. He also highlighted the collective responsibility of educational administrators and institutional heads in ensuring the effective implementation of assessment reforms and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across schools.
As part of the inaugural proceedings, SCERT J&K presented key academic publications, including SAMVAAD, A Compendium on NEP 2020 Implementation for Jammu Division and TAP (Talent Acceleration Programme), to the worthy Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, School Education Department, J&K.
The documents SAMVAAD and TAP were prepared by Dr. Rohini Sharma, while the NEP 2020 Implementation Compendium for Jammu Division was prepared by Monica Sharma, Ms. Manu Vasudeva and Rakesh Kumar Chobber.
The occasion also witnessed the launch of MANSPARSH) 2026 – World Mental Health Awareness Quiz on the DIKSHA platform as part of World Mental Health Month 2026. The quiz was developed by Vivek Jandial, DIKSHA Coordinator, SCERT J&K.
The programme also featured an exhibition of educational resources and academic materials developed by SCERT J&K. The display showcased a diverse range of resource books, teaching-learning materials, curriculum-support resources, research-based publications and other academic initiatives.
In recognition of their commendable professional contributions and dedication to the teaching fraternity, SCERT J&K, Divisional Office Jammu, felicitated Mohd Ayaz Raina, Lecturer in Botany, GHSS Dalhori, District Rajouri, and Kuldeep Gupta, Lecturer in Zoology, GHS Jindrah, District Jammu.
The technical sessions covered a wide range of themes, including National Education Policy 2020: From Policy to Practice; Implementing National Curricular Frameworks in Schools; Understanding the Holistic Progress Card (HPC): A Comprehensive Approach to Learners; Assessment Reforms under NEP 2020; Digital HPC; and Understanding the Findings of Rashtriya Sarvekshan.
The sessions were facilitated by SCERT faculty members Rajesh Hali, Monica Sharma, Rakesh Kumar Chobber and Manu Vasudeva, along with Shahnawaz Gani, Teacher Educator, DIET Ramban. The resource persons elaborated on the philosophy, structure and practical application of Holistic Progress Cards across the Foundational, Preparatory and Middle Stages. Particular emphasis was placed on interpreting Rashtriya Sarvekshan findings to identify learning gaps, understand assessment-related challenges and formulate appropriate remedial strategies. The deliberations also highlighted the potential of Digital HPC in facilitating systematic learner-progress tracking, strengthening school-level academic planning and supporting data-informed educational decisions.
Dr. Balgar Singh and Vivek Jandial served as Technical Coordinators, ensuring the smooth conduct of the programme’s technical and logistical arrangements. The sessions were moderated by Monica Sharma, and Manu Vasudeva, who facilitated the proceedings and thematic discussions. Vinod Bhat, Associate Professor, Head, Assessment Cel, delivered the formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, senior officers, resource persons and participants for their valuable contributions to the programme.