Page 33 - Kashmir and National Education Policy by Dr. Amarpreet Kour

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

vocational courses in a best way.

Despite its advantages, vocational education at the higher secondary
level faces challenges, including a lack of societal awareness and
parental orientation, which leads to the stigmatization of vocational
courses. Additionally, outdated curricula fail to align with industry
needs, leaving students unprepared for the job market. To address this,
states should promote the establishment of industries that can absorb
vocational graduates, aligning training with job opportunities.

Furthermore, promoting indigenous crafts such as pottery, leatherwork,
and dyeing is essential, as these traditional arts are often overlooked
despite having strong international markets. Integrating these crafts
into education can help preserve cultural heritage while providing
students with valuable skills. Vocational education plays a crucial role
in addressing challenges like population growth, economic inequality,
and lack of social mobility. By equipping individuals with the necessary
skills, vocational education helps improve quality of life and contributes
to economic growth.

Workshops on NEP 2020 have emphasized the need for extensive teacher
training to ensure effective vocational education, with platforms like
DIKSHA providing online training for teachers. Students should also
be encouraged to visit vocational institutions like Industrial Training
Institutes (ITIs) for hands-on learning and be awarded certificates for
their skills, enhancing employability and preparing them for real-world
challenges.

However, there is a concern about overemphasizing vocational skills at
the expense of academic education, which may result in a workforce
focused only on trades like plumbing and labour. While vocational
training is crucial, equal emphasis must be placed on academic fields
to produce researchers, specialists, and professionals who can drive
innovation and tackle pressing issues, such as Kashmir’s rising health
challenges, which require experts in medicine and research. Achieving
excellence in both vocational and academic education is critical for the
holistic development of individuals and the progress of society.

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