Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today launched JK e-Pathshala – Direct to Home Channel-53, a dedicated educational television channel aimed at supporting school education, particularly for students in far-flung and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, marking a major technological intervention in the education sector.
The launch ceremony was attended by Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo (via video conferencing), Commissioner Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Project Director Samagra Shiksha Bhawani Rakwal, Director School Education Javid Naseem Choudhary, Special Director General BISAG-N Vinay Thakur, besides teachers, students and other senior concerned.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched two newly established digital studios, announced 14 districts of Jammu and Kashmir as fully literate, and dedicated 1010 works completed under Samagra Shiksha during the year 2025–26 to the people.
Addressing the gathering after the launch at Convention Center here, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that JK e-Pathshala represents a new beginning in the use of technology for strengthening school education.
Reflecting on the transformation in teaching methods, the Chief Minister recalled his own school days and said that even an overhead projector was once considered a major technological breakthrough. “In our time, we felt we had entered the 21st century just by sitting in a class with an overhead projector. Today, we are witnessing a real technological revolution in education,” he remarked.
Congratulating the School Education Department for the initiative, the Chief Minister said that if used effectively, technology can truly change the lives of children. However, he made it clear that digital platforms are meant to supplement classroom teaching, not replace teachers.
“This channel is not to replace the classroom or the teacher. A teacher and a classroom can never be replaced. Technology is meant to fill gaps and support learning,” he said, adding that the personal bond between a teacher and a student can never be created by any device or screen.
Sharing a personal anecdote, the Chief Minister recalled how a strict and dedicated teacher had helped him overcome his fear of science. “Good teachers help even the weakest students cross the limits of their abilities. No technology can compete with a good teacher,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed the need to continuously upgrade teachers’ skills and encourage them to use technology as a support tool. He also underlined the importance of quality and regularly updated content on JK e-Pathshala and sought regular feedback from students and teachers to ensure the channel remains relevant and effective.
Highlighting the unique geographical and climatic challenges of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in its remote districts, the Chief Minister said that the channel would be especially beneficial for students living in isolated areas. “Our students can study in school and then continue learning at home through these channels,” he said.
He also spoke about responsible use of digital screens, encouraging students to use mobile devices for educational and knowledge-based content while discouraging excessive gaming and non-productive activities.
Emphasising the importance of reading habits, the Chief Minister urged parents and teachers to instil in children the habit of reading books, newspapers and magazines. “If we open the world of books for our children, we open a whole new world for them,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that JK e-Pathshala would be the beginning of a larger digital education ecosystem in J&K. He said that in the future, dedicated channels for each class could be introduced to ensure adequate learning time for every grade.
“No matter how advanced technology becomes, physical teachers will never be replaced,” he asserted, calling upon all stakeholders to work together for building a brighter future for the children of Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo also addressed the gathering and described the launch of JK e-Pathshala as a historic and revolutionary step in strengthening the education sector of Jammu and Kashmir.