Government Schools in Kashmir: A Surge in Admissions

Government schools in Kashmir have witnessed a remarkable increase in student admissions in recent years, reflecting a growing trust in the public education system. This surge is driven by strategic enrollment drives, improved infrastructure, and a renewed focus on quality education, making government schools an attractive choice for parents across the region.

Significant Increase in Enrollment

In 2025, the Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) reported that approximately 70,000 students were admitted to government schools during an enrollment drive that began in March. This included 35,000 students at the primary level, 1,500 first-time school-goers, and 1,300 children with special needs. Earlier drives also showed impressive results: in 2020, 87,714 new admissions were recorded, with nearly 100,000 students enrolled by the end of the year, including 2,000 students who shifted from private schools. Districts like Kupwara led with 23,028 new admissions, followed by Anantnag (13,182) and Budgam (8,262).

The 2022 academic year saw a 19.02% hike in student enrollment, with Kulgam and Anantnag districts recording increases of 19.2% and 21.78%, respectively. The “Aao School Chalein” campaign under Samagra Shiksha enrolled 118,176 students during the winter session, focusing on re-enrolling dropouts and integrating out-of-school children (OoSC).

Factors Driving the Boost

Several factors have contributed to this upward trend:

1. Proactive Enrollment Drives: Initiatives like the mega enrollment car rally in Pampore in March 2025, organized by the Zonal Education Officer, raised awareness about the benefits of government schools, such as free textbooks, uniforms, and mid-day meals. Teachers actively engaged with communities, highlighting the qualifications of government school educators compared to private school staff.
2. Improved Perception and Trust: The enrollment of children of government teachers in public schools—over 200 in 2020—signals growing confidence in the system. Parents, especially those facing economic challenges, are drawn to free education up to the eighth grade, a stark contrast to the profit-driven private sector.
3. Policy Reforms and Infrastructure Upgrades: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has extended free education to Class 12 and introduced early childhood care and education (ECCE), addressing gaps previously filled by private schools. Under Samagra Shiksha, provisions for additional classrooms and gender-sensitive facilities, like separate toilets for girls, have enhanced retention, particularly for female students. The government is also addressing infrastructure challenges, with plans for new school buildings and teacher rationalization to eliminate single-teacher schools.
4. Economic and Social Factors: Economic hardships, particularly in the horticulture-dependent Kashmir Valley, have pushed parents toward government schools, which offer free education and resources. The decline in private school enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this shift, as families faced financial constraints.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Many government schools, especially in rural and urban areas, suffer from inadequate infrastructure, such as dilapidated buildings, insufficient classrooms, and a lack of basic amenities like functional washrooms. In Srinagar, some schools operate in rented spaces with unsafe stairways or limited seating, deterring parents. Teachers have emphasized that while their efforts have driven enrollment, sustained government investment in modern facilities and technology is crucial for long-term success.

The teacher rationalization process, 60% complete as of April 2025, aims to address staffing shortages in remote areas. Additionally, the government is exploring solutions for schools in rented facilities by prioritizing land acquisition and phased construction.

Conclusion

The boost in admissions to government schools in Kashmir marks a pivotal shift in the region’s educational landscape. With nearly 1.05 million girls enrolled in 2023-24 and consistent enrollment growth, the public education system is gaining momentum. Continued investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and community engagement will be essential to sustain this progress and position government schools as the preferred choice for quality education in Kashmir.