Weightage to Kashmir and Kashmir Issue in Curriculum: An Analysis of Syllabus Taught at School Level in Azad Jammu And Kashmir

Abstract

This study (content analysis) was conducted to analyze the curriculum taught at school level in the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) to know the weightage of contents on Kashmir and Kashmir issue in the curriculum/syllabus. The entire syllabus taught at elementary and secondary levels in AJ&K were reviewed by the researchers. Besides this, all those who have relevant experienced and also have master degree in Urdu, English, History, Pakistan Studies and Kashmiriat were population of the study. Only textbooks published by AJ&K Text Book Board of four subjects (Urdu, English, History and Pakistan Study) taught at elementary and secondary levels were reviewed. Nine (09) experts were selected as a sample of the study to seek their opinion. Self-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. It was found that Kashmir and Kashmir issue were not given due weightage in the curriculum of elementary and secondary levels of education. Majority of the experts suggested that curriculum may be revised and minimum three lessons may be included in primary level text books. Separate book about Kashmir and Kashmir issue may be introduced at middle and secondary levels.