challenges-in-government-schools-of-jammu-and-kashmir-a-closer-look-at-teacher-shortages-and-infrastructure-deficits

Government schools in Jammu and Kashmir are grappling with a critical shortage of subject teachers, shedding light on deep-rooted concerns about the quality of education provided to students.

 

This issue, identified by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), Ministry of Education (MoE), underscores a failure to meet the norms outlined under the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

 

While the student-teacher ratio in Jammu and Kashmir appears favourable, the shortage of subject-specific teachers is a significant concern. Research conducted to assess the availability of specific teachers in government-run schools reveals that only 22.8 per cent of schools have subject-specific teachers for upper primary sections.

 

This leaves a staggering 77.2 per cent of schools struggling with shortages in subject-specific teachers for upper primary sections.

 

Various factors contribute to the persistent problem, including inadequate infrastructure. Many government schools in Kashmir are in deplorable conditions, with insufficient facilities. An official confirmed that this problem is particularly persistent in schools with insufficient infrastructure, where students from multiple classes often share a single room due to space constraints.

 

Despite government efforts to maximise existing structures, the lack of infrastructure has led to a decrease in the total number of public schools in Jammu and Kashmir by nearly 19 per cent in 2023. The mass decrease in enrollment is attributed to factors such as a lack of infrastructure, non-professional teachers, insufficient sanitation facilities, and poor performance in board exams.

 

The condition is worse in rural areas, with a lack of spaces, improper conditions, and non-separate washrooms further hindering government-run schools' ability to attract more enrollments. Surveys conducted at both local and national levels over the years have consistently pointed out the poor infrastructure in government-run schools, affecting the quality of education and student enrollment.

 

Official statistics reveal a surplus of 8984 elementary-level teachers in J&K, while upper primary schools face a scarcity of subject teachers. At the secondary level, conflicting figures indicate a shortage of teachers for core subjects, with only 46.5 per cent of schools reported to have teachers for all core subjects.

 

Despite government efforts, the retention rate in government schools remains low, with only 60 per cent at the elementary level and 50 per cent at the secondary level. The School Education Department conducts annual teacher transfers through the Annual Transfer Drive (ATD) to address staff shortages. Additionally, the department authorises teachers to rationalise staff and utilise surplus staff in teacher-deficient schools.

 

Apart from teacher shortages, concerns about infrastructure persist, with approximately 10,631 schools lacking nearby playgrounds, 14,706 schools operating without libraries, and 12,917 schools lacking ramps for students with special needs.

 

The challenges faced by government schools in Jammu and Kashmir, ranging from teacher shortages to infrastructure deficits, require immediate attention and comprehensive solutions. As the government continues its efforts to address these issues, transparency and collaboration with education stakeholders will be crucial to improving the overall quality of education in the region.