Sameena Manzoor
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), a region characterized by its rich cultural diversity and complex socio-political dynamics, faces numerous challenges that demand a transformative approach to education. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 presents an opportunity to redefine the educational framework, emphasizing multidisciplinary learning, experiential education, and vocational training. In this context, the introduction of Social Work as a subject at the 10+2 level in J&K would not only align with the policy’s goals but also address the region’s unique social issues by equipping students with the necessary skills, values, and knowledge to become active agents of change.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Unique Socio-Political Context
Jammu and Kashmir has endured decades of socio-political unrest, conflict, and economic challenges, resulting in a complex set of social issues that continue to affect the region. Issues such as mental health crises, youth disillusionment, gender inequality, poverty, and the displacement of communities are particularly pressing. The need for post-conflict rehabilitation, community healing, and inclusive development remains urgent. In line with the NEP 2020, which calls for an education system that fosters social responsibility, equity, and sustainable development, the introduction of Social Work at the 10+2 level can significantly contribute to addressing these challenges.
By integrating Social Work into the curriculum, J&K’s educational institutions will equip students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills to engage with local social issues. Social Work offers a unique approach to addressing the region’s needs by fostering the development of compassionate, responsible, and skilled individuals who can play an active role in community rebuilding and transformation.
Aligning Social Work with the Objectives of NEP 2020: Key Benefits for J&K
- Promoting Experiential Learning and Community Engagement
The NEP 2020 prioritizes experiential learning (Clauses 4.6 & 4.9), emphasizing the importance of hands-on education that connects students with real-world challenges. Social Work, as a subject, is inherently community-oriented, offering students the opportunity to engage directly with local communities through fieldwork, volunteering, and social intervention projects. Students can participate in initiatives such as mental health support, gender equality advocacy, youth empowerment programs, and disaster relief efforts, which directly address the issues affecting their communities.
In the context of J&K, this hands-on approach would provide students with a deep understanding of the region’s unique social challenges, from post-conflict rehabilitation to economic disparity, and equip them with the tools to contribute to solutions that are locally relevant and sustainable. - Fostering Interdisciplinary Learning and Holistic Education
The NEP advocates for multidisciplinary education (Clause 11.3), encouraging students to explore multiple fields of study to develop a well-rounded understanding of the world. Social Work integrates knowledge from sociology, psychology, public policy, and political science, making it an ideal subject for fostering interdisciplinary learning. By studying Social Work, students in J&K will gain insights into the dynamics of community development, human rights, and conflict resolution, all of which are highly pertinent to the region’s socio-political landscape.
Such an approach promotes critical thinking, enabling students to analyze the root causes of social issues and explore multifaceted solutions. This holistic education aligns with the NEP’s vision of creating well-rounded individuals who are capable of addressing complex, real-world problems. - Developing Essential 21st-Century Skills
The NEP 2020 emphasizes the development of essential 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Social Work education inherently cultivates these skills, which are not only valuable in addressing societal challenges but also essential for personal and professional success.
•Critical Thinking: Social Work encourages students to analyze complex social issues, assess their root causes, and develop innovative solutions, a skill essential for navigating J&K’s challenges.
•Creativity: In a region marked by conflict and economic disparity, creative problem-solving is crucial for developing sustainable solutions to social issues.
•Collaboration: Social Work fosters teamwork and cooperation through community-based projects, where students work with local organizations, stakeholders, and vulnerable populations.
•Communication: Effective communication is a cornerstone of Social Work practice, whether advocating for social justice, conducting counseling, or mobilizing communities.
These skills are indispensable in preparing students for an ever-changing world, ensuring that they are not only knowledgeable but also capable of contributing meaningfully to society. - Promoting Social Justice and Humanitarian Values
In a region like J&K, where social divisions, displacement, and gender inequalities are prevalent, Social Work education plays a crucial role in promoting social justice and human rights. The NEP 2020 emphasizes the importance of ethical values and social responsibility (Clause 4.27), and Social Work directly supports these goals by instilling a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and responsibility among students.
By studying Social Work, students will engage with concepts such as equality, human dignity, access to justice, and conflict resolution. These values are critical for creating a more inclusive, just, and peaceful society in J&K, where the need for community reconciliation and social harmony remains a priority. - Addressing Regional Development Needs through Career-Oriented Education
The NEP 2020 encourages early exposure to career-oriented subjects (Clause 16.1) to better prepare students for the workforce. Social Work provides a clear career pathway in social services, community development, public policy, and mental health care, all of which are directly relevant to the region’s development needs.
Given J&K’s socio-economic challenges, there is a high demand for social workers, community organizers, policy analysts, and mental health professionals who can contribute to local development efforts. Introducing Social Work at the 10+2 level will help students identify and pursue careers that not only align with their interests but also serve the pressing needs of their communities. - Building a Culture of Responsible Citizenship and Community Engagement
The NEP envisions an education system that nurtures responsible citizenship and encourages students to contribute to their communities (Clause 11.8). Social Work education provides an excellent platform for students to engage with social welfare activities, advocacy, and community mobilization. This aligns with the NEP’s goal of fostering a sense of social responsibility in students.
In J&K, where communities are often fragmented due to years of conflict, Social Work can serve as a vehicle for healing and rebuilding. By involving students in local issues such as youth unemployment, education access, and gender-based violence, Social Work education can help develop a generation of citizens who are actively invested in the well-being and prosperity of their region.
Conclusion: Empowering the Future of Jammu and Kashmir
The introduction of Social Work as a subject at the 10+2 level in Jammu and Kashmir, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, represents a crucial step toward addressing the region’s unique socio-political challenges. By equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values to tackle pressing social issues, Social Work education will contribute to community development, peacebuilding, and social justice in J&K. This initiative will empower students to become proactive leaders, advocates for change, and compassionate citizens, all of whom will play a key role in the region’s ongoing recovery and growth.
In a rapidly evolving global context, where complex challenges require multifaceted solutions, Social Work education offers students in J&K the tools to not only understand their world but to actively shape it, contributing to a more equitable, peaceful, and prosperous society.
Sameena Manzoor hails from Repora Namtehal