Centre flags gaps in J&K's public schooling system, calls for urgent reforms
A significant gap in student enrolment exists between government and private schools in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has highlighted a crucial issue in Jammu and Kashmir's education system, noting that although government schools comprise 77.32 per cent of the total schools in the region, only 54.06 per cent of students are enrolled in them. This discrepancy raises concerns about the quality and appeal of government education compared to private institutions.
Government advice on enrolment ratios
In light of these statistics, the Jammu and Kashmir government has been advised to prioritise the improvement of the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and Net Enrolment Ratio (NER) at the higher secondary level. Such improvements are deemed necessary for enhancing the educational landscape in the region.
Solar panel installation in schools
Out of 18,785 government schools in Jammu and Kashmir, only 3,304 (17.6 per cent) have solar panels installed. The School Education Department (SED) has been instructed to identify and address gaps in solar panel coverage using data from UDISE+, aiming to enhance energy sustainability in these schools.
Skill education implementation
Under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, 1,869 schools were approved for skill education, but only 1,621 schools have implemented it, covering 72.19 per cent of the targeted schools. There is a pressing need to extend skill education to all approved schools, focusing on various sectors and job roles to better prepare students for future employment.
Zero enrolment and pupil-teacher ratio
A troubling aspect revealed is that 65 schools, including 62 primary and three upper primary, have zero student enrolment. Additionally, 16 per cent of schools have been identified with an adverse Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR). The MoE has urged the rationalisation of teachers to address these issues.
Calls for immediate action
The Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) expressed concern over these findings during a Project Approval Board (PAB) meeting in March. The SED has been instructed to address these gaps within the current year, using data and resources effectively to propose solutions to the board for approval.
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