The shift away from compulsory English under NEP 2020 threatens careers and language proficiency

For decades, General English was a compulsory subject across all educational streams in Jammu and Kashmir. Whether students were pursuing Arts, Medical, Non-medical, or Commerce, they were required to study English alongside their chosen disciplines. The reason for this was clear: English is not just a subject but a global language, the medium of communication in schools, colleges, and universities across the region. From school to higher education, students were expected to write their answers in English, reinforcing the language’s importance in both academic and professional spheres.

Traditionally, the study of General English involved prose, poetry, and composition, equipping students with the skills needed to write essays, articles, and more. The focus on English as a mandatory subject helped students develop a strong command of the language, which is crucial given its role as a global lingua franca. However, the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the subsequent implementation of the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) have significantly altered the educational landscape.

Under the new system, the Higher Education Department has relegated General English to a choice-based subject, stripping it of the credibility it once held. The introduction of major and minor subjects in colleges has further marginalized General English, making it neither a major nor a minor option for students. This shift has effectively “broomed” English studies out of college curriculums, leaving students unaware that they can or should opt for English alongside their other subjects.

This exclusion of General English from the core curriculum has created a significant problem for English scholars and educators. The question arises: if a subject as vital as English is omitted from the curriculum, how can the government justify advertising posts for English lecturers and professors? The administrative decision to remove the compulsory status of English has resulted in a drastic reduction in teaching positions. For example, in the current academic year, both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions saw the appointment of only 70 lecturers for General English under academic arrangements, a sharp decline from the 300 lecturers appointed in previous years. This reduction has left many English scholars frustrated, forcing them to seek alternative career paths as opportunities in their fields dwindle. The solution, as many educators and scholars suggest, lies in revisiting the policies under the NEP 2020.

To maintain the credibility of English scholars and safeguard their careers, the Higher Education Department must consider reinstating General English as a major subject in colleges. This move would not only provide hope for English scholars but also ensure that future generations of students continue to benefit from a strong foundation in the English language.

In conclusion, the removal of General English as a compulsory subject has created a crisis in higher education in Jammu and Kashmir. The importance of English as a global language cannot be overstated, and it is imperative that policymakers recognize this by reinstating the subject’s significance within the curriculum. Failure to do so could have long-lasting consequences for both students and educators in the region.

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Dr Aasif Ahmad Dar