Srinagar, Nov. 21 -- Jammu and Kashmir's education department followed the best in the business.

The United States, the United Kingdom, Finland, Canada and Japan all place a second adult in pre-primary rooms to steady small bodies long enough for minds to learn.

We liked the idea, so in 2018 we advertised for "Aayas," promised 5,000 rupees a month and forgot to write what the job actually is.

The omission turned a global best practice into a maid post and wasted the cheapest chance we have to lift early learning across the valley.

The government order that created the position runs to four lines. It says "engage Aaya on need basis."

It never spells out the need, never lists tasks, and never sets working hours.

Head teachers fil...