DODA, Jul 10: A two-day National Conference on the theme “Implementation of NEP 2020 in Jammu and Kashmir: Challenges of Inclusion, Equity and Accessibility” commenced today with great enthusiasm and academic fervour at Government Degree College Doda. The conference brought together eminent academicians, educationists, policymakers, researchers and scholars from different parts of the country to deliberate upon the transformative vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its implementation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Javid Iqbal principal GDC Doda and patron of the conference welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the objectives of the conference. He stated that the conference aims to provide a vibrant academic platform for meaningful discussions on the implementation of NEP 2020, particularly with regard to issues of inclusion, equity and accessibility in Jammu and Kashmir.
The inaugural session which was presided over by the principal of the host college Dr Javid Iqbal, was graced by Krishan Lal, Deputy Commissioner Doda, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the significance of NEP 2020 in reshaping the educational landscape of the country and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure equitable and inclusive access to quality education. He appreciated the organisers for initiating meaningful academic discourse on one of the most important educational reforms of contemporary India.
Dr Shabir Ahmed Co-organising Secretary of the conference introduced the theme of the conference and deliberated upto on its objectives.
The conference featured distinguished resource persons including Prof. Mushtaq Siddiqi, Coordinator, NEP Cell, University of Kashmir, and Dr. Ali Asgar, Associate Professor, IGNOU, New Delhi. Delivering their keynote addresses, the speakers provided insightful perspectives on the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing NEP 2020 in Jammu and Kashmir. They underscored the importance of inclusivity, accessibility and equity in education and stressed the need for innovative pedagogical practices, institutional preparedness and stakeholder participation to realise the objectives of the policy.
The inaugural ceremony was also graced by Mr. B. K. Pathak, Chief Education Officer, Doda, and Dr. Suresh Kotwal, Head, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Doda as Special Guests. They congratulated the organisers for selecting a highly relevant and contemporary theme and expressed hope that the deliberations of the conference would contribute significantly to educational reforms and policy implementation in the region.
The proceedings of the inaugural session were efficiently managed by Dr Jamsheed Ahmad, Assistant Professor English and Organising Secretary of the conference, whose eloquent anchoring and meticulous coordination ensured the smooth conduct of the programme.
Dr Wahied Khawar Balwan, Coordinator of the conference extended a vote of thanks to the dignitaries, participants, faculty members, scholars and organising committee for their valuable contributions towards making the inaugural ceremony a grand success.
The conference witnessed enthusiastic participation from academicians, researchers, scholars and students from various universities and colleges across the country. The two-day event will feature technical sessions, paper presentations and panel discussions focusing on various dimensions of the implementation of NEP 2020 and its implications for higher education in Jammu and Kashmir.