In a startling revelation, the Jammu and Kashmir government has reported that 3,192 schools across the Union Territory have recorded less than 10 or even zero student enrolment since 2022. This alarming figure raises serious concerns about the future of the education system in Jammu Kashmir and the efficient use of public resources.
Despite such low student presence, 2,518 teachers remain posted in these schools, highlighting a significant mismatch between staffing and actual need.
The data was officially shared by Education Minister Sakina Itoo in response to a query raised by BJP MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania in the Assembly.
The report provides a detailed breakdown of low enrolment schools J&K, division-wise and district-wise, giving a clearer picture of the scale of the issue.
Division-Wise Breakdown in Govt. Schools of Jammu & Kashmir
- Jammu Division
- 1,494 schools with low or zero enrolment
- 1,934 teachers posted
- Kashmir Division
- 1,698 schools with low or zero enrolment
- 584 teachers posted
While Kashmir has more such schools, Jammu division accounts for a significantly higher number of teachers—raising questions about resource allocation in government schools in Jammu and Kashmir.
District-Wise Hotspots: Where the Problem is Worst in Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu Division
- Kathua – 508 schools (highest)
- Udhampur – 188
- Rajouri – 174
- Reasi – 161
- Jammu – 130
- Doda – 111
- Kishtwar – 89
- Samba – 60
- Ramban – 56
- Poonch – 17
Kathua alone emerges as the epicenter of the J&K education crisis in this region.
Kashmir Division
- Baramulla – 396 schools (highest)
- Shopian – 270
- Kupwara – 228
- Anantnag – 168
- Bandipora – 156
- Ganderbal – 138
- Pulwama – 102
- Budgam – 96
- Srinagar – 90
- Kulgam – 54
Baramulla tops the list, reflecting deep-rooted challenges in school enrolment.
Massive Spending Despite Low Enrolment
One of the most striking aspects of this report is the financial burden:
- ₹13,816.66 crore spent on salaries since 2019
- Jammu Division: ₹13,770 crore
- Kashmir Division: ₹46.66 crore
Top Spending Districts:
- Udhampur – ₹2,600 crore
- Rajouri – ₹1,925.70 crore
- Kathua – ₹1,830 crore
- Doda – ₹1,680.77 crore
Even in the Kashmir division, Baramulla recorded the highest spending at ₹9.54 crore.
This raises a critical question:
Is the current model of staffing and school distribution sustainable?
School Closures & Mergers: A Government Response
To address the issue, the government has already taken steps under the school merger policy J&K:
- 1,732 schools closed or merged since 2019
- Jammu Division: 1,427
- Kashmir Division: 305
Districts with Most Closures:
- Jammu – 517
- Kathua – 238
- Samba – 125
- Doda – 113
This indicates an ongoing restructuring effort, but the persistence of thousands of low-enrolment schools suggests more aggressive reforms may be needed.
What This Means for the Future of Jammu & Kashmir
The issue of Jammu and Kashmir schools with low enrolment is not just about numbers—it reflects deeper challenges:
- Migration from rural areas
- Preference for private schools
- Accessibility and infrastructure gaps
- Inefficient teacher deployment
If not addressed urgently, this could widen the gap in education reforms Jammu Kashmir and impact future generations.
Experts suggest a multi-pronged approach:
- Rationalizing teacher postings
- Strengthening school infrastructure
- Encouraging enrolment through incentives
- Promoting digital and hybrid education models
- Community awareness programs
The latest data paints a concerning picture of the education system in Jammu Kashmir, where thousands of schools are functioning without students, yet consuming massive public funds.
While steps like school mergers are underway, a more strategic, data-driven reform plan is crucial to revive the system and ensure every child has access to quality education.
