In a surprising revelation, at least 119 government schools in Jammu and Kashmir continue to function without any enrolled students, according to updated official records. Despite a significant number of closures over the past few years, these institutions remain operational, staffed with 238 teachers, highlighting inefficiencies and resource mismanagement within the education system.

A Startling Reality of Empty Schools

The data sheds light on the stark reality of Jammu and Kashmir’s education sector. These 119 schools have zero student enrollment but are still maintained, raising questions about the effectiveness of resource allocation. This scenario becomes even more concerning when juxtaposed with the region’s Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR), which stands at 16:1—well below the national standard of 30:1.

On average, seven teachers are assigned to each government school in the region, irrespective of the number of students. This imbalance indicates an urgent need for strategic planning and redistribution of teaching staff.

The issue of low enrollment leading to school closures in Jammu and Kashmir is not new. Reports indicate that in 2024 alone, over 4,400 government schools were shut down due to either zero or minimal student presence. By July 2024, the total number of government schools had plummeted to 23,117, as 4,394 schools were removed from the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) database.

Primary schools bore the brunt of these closures. From an initial count of 12,977, only 8,966 remain operational after mergers. Middle schools, high schools, and even higher secondary institutions were also affected, with 392 middle schools, three high schools, and one higher secondary school removed from the UDISE Plus list. This sharp decline underscores the challenges faced in retaining students at the foundational levels of education.

The education sector in Jammu and Kashmir is not limited to government-run schools. Initially, there were 28,805 schools across the region, including private institutions. However, this number has since reduced to 24,279. Among private schools, 5,555 remain operational out of the original 5,688. While the reduction in private schools is less drastic, it still highlights the overall decline in educational infrastructure.

Why Are Schools Operating Without Students?

One of the most puzzling aspects of the situation is the continued operation of schools without students. According to officials, many of these schools are maintained for logistical or administrative reasons. Others were retained to ensure accessibility in remote areas, even though they failed to attract students. Additionally, efforts to merge schools with nearby institutions to optimize resources have not entirely resolved the problem.

An official source noted that the mergers aim to maximize resource utilization by combining schools with low student numbers. However, the process often faces resistance from local communities and logistical challenges, leading to inefficiencies.

The Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) in Jammu and Kashmir stands at an impressive 16:1, far better than the prescribed 30:1. While this may appear to be a positive indicator, it also highlights the issue of underutilized teaching staff. With 238 teachers posted in schools without students, the region’s PTR statistics fail to reflect the ground reality.

This surplus of teachers in empty schools contrasts sharply with the potential need for better distribution of educators in areas with high enrollment. Proper allocation could significantly enhance the quality of education across the region.

Government Initiatives and Challenges

The School Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir has been proactive in identifying and addressing the issue of low enrollment. In April 2022, it announced plans to merge 720 schools based on student catchment areas and feasibility studies. However, the implementation has been fraught with challenges, including resistance from local communities and logistical hurdles.

The department also launched various schemes under the Samagra Shiksha initiative to improve enrollment and retention rates. Despite these efforts, the declining number of functional schools highlights the need for more innovative and community-driven solutions.

Several socio-economic factors contribute to the dwindling student numbers in government schools. Migration to urban areas, the rise of private education, and a lack of infrastructure in rural schools are significant contributors. Parents increasingly prefer private institutions, perceiving them as offering better quality education, even in remote areas.

Additionally, the political instability and frequent disruptions in the region have adversely affected the education sector. These challenges make it difficult for government schools to compete with their private counterparts.

Experts suggest a multi-pronged approach to address the issue of non-functional schools and optimize the education system in Jammu and Kashmir: The situation in Jammu and Kashmir’s education sector is a complex interplay of challenges and opportunities. While the closure of thousands of schools points to systemic issues, the continued operation of 119 schools without students highlights inefficiencies that require immediate attention. Addressing these challenges will demand a concerted effort from the government, communities, and educators to create a more robust and inclusive education system for the region.