Promising Developments in Education

The education sector in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant progress and promising developments since the year 2019, marking a turning point in the region’s educational landscape. Authorities have reported a remarkable increase in civil works completed in schools, enhanced academic days, and a surge in student enrollment in government-run schools, indicating a positive trajectory for education in the region. According to official data, the completion of civil works in schools under the UT Capex budget surged post-2019. A comparison reveals that while only 819 civil works were completed from 2010 to 2019, a substantial increase was observed with at least 2339 works completed in the subsequent years. Similarly, under centrally sponsored schemes like SSA, RMSA, and Samagra Shiksha, the completion of civil works witnessed a significant uptick, indicating a renewed focus on infrastructure development in schools. The increase in academic days in schools has been another notable achievement post-2019. Prior to this period, schools in Jammu and Kashmir faced challenges, with an average of 128-150 working days due to unrest. However, in the past five years, the number of working days has increased by over 30 percent, with schools now functional for more than 210 days on average. This improvement reflects a concerted effort to ensure continuity in education despite external challenges. Furthermore, the government’s initiatives have resulted in a substantial increase in student enrollment in government-run schools. Over the past five years, student enrollment has risen by over 17 percent, highlighting a growing confidence in the public education system. This trend is indicative of improved access to quality education and the success of efforts to promote enrollment and retention in schools. The strides made in the education sector post-2019 underscore a commitment to providing equitable and inclusive education opportunities for all children in Jammu and Kashmir. The concerted efforts of the government, coupled with increased investment in infrastructure, enhanced academic days, and proactive measures to boost enrollment, have laid a strong foundation for the future of education in the region. As we move forward, it is essential to sustain these positive developments and build upon the momentum achieved in the education sector. Continued investment in infrastructure, teacher training, curriculum development, and inclusive policies will be crucial in ensuring that every child in Jammu and Kashmir receives a quality education that empowers them to thrive and contribute to the progress and prosperity of the Union Territory.