Oct 30: In a significant stride toward modernizing the education landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health & Medical Education, Smt. Sakeena Itoo, inaugurated the Two-Day National Conference on “Integrating Artificial Intelligence and 21st Century Skills in Education” at the Government College of Education (GCOE), Srinagar. The conference brought together educators, researchers, technologists, and policymakers to deliberate on how emerging technologies can transform teaching and learning paradigms in the 21st century.
In her inaugural address, Minister Sakeena Itoo emphasized the urgent need to align India’s education system with rapid global technological transformations. She stated that integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education is no longer a futuristic idea but an immediate necessity to equip students with skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving—the cornerstones of the modern knowledge economy.
Highlighting the Government’s commitment to educational reform, the Minister remarked, “We must prepare our learners for the challenges and opportunities of a digital world. The integration of AI tools and digital pedagogy can empower educators, enhance learning outcomes, and foster innovation-driven growth.” She noted that Jammu and Kashmir’s education department is actively implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for the inclusion of 21st-century competencies in school and higher education curricula.
The conference, hosted by GCOE Srinagar in collaboration with several educational technology partners, aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on how AI can personalize learning experiences, automate assessments, and promote inclusivity in classrooms. Experts are expected to share research insights and case studies on AI-enabled teaching methodologies, digital learning ecosystems, and ethical considerations in the use of educational technology.
During the event, Minister Itoo also inaugurated the newly constructed Science Laboratory Block, equipped with modern instruments and facilities to support hands-on learning and experimentation. The new lab is expected to significantly enhance the college’s capacity to train future teachers in science education and research.
In a move that underscores the Government’s focus on digital innovation, the Minister launched “IASE Mentorbort”, an AI-powered educational chatbot developed to assist students and faculty with academic guidance, administrative information, and personalized learning support. The chatbot, designed using natural language processing (NLP) tools, will serve as a 24×7 virtual mentor for teacher trainees, offering instant responses on academic queries and institutional resources.
Speaking at the launch, Sakeena Itoo praised the developers for introducing a homegrown AI solution that reflects the region’s growing digital competence. She said that initiatives like these align with the broader vision of creating smart educational institutions that blend tradition with technology.
The Minister also interacted with faculty and students, urging them to embrace continuous learning and adaptability in the face of technological disruption. She encouraged young educators to explore the ethical and creative dimensions of AI, using it responsibly to enhance the human element in education rather than replace it.
Principal of GCOE Srinagar, senior officials from the Department of School Education, and representatives from universities and research institutions attended the ceremony. Participants appreciated the Government’s proactive efforts to bridge the digital divide and integrate AI-based solutions into mainstream learning environments.
The conference will feature panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and paper presentations over two days, covering themes such as AI literacy for teachers, data-driven decision-making in education, digital assessment tools, and curriculum innovation. It aims to produce actionable recommendations for policymakers and educators to accelerate technology adoption in classrooms across Jammu and Kashmir.
By combining technology with pedagogy, the Government envisions creating a future-ready education ecosystem—one that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures innovation, ethical reasoning, and emotional intelligence among learners. The initiatives launched at GCOE Srinagar reaffirm Jammu and Kashmir’s commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and technological empowerment under the ongoing educational transformation.