The history of evolution and the development clearly mentions that the magnititude and degree of the progress can only be measured in terms of the literacy, education and overall human resource development. And it is also a historical fact that any developed nation puts education in her top priorities. After the World War-II ended, Japan would call a national level meeting and a long discussion was held. Some suggested that a revengeful policy be adopted, arms and ammunition be prepared to avenge USA that had devastated her two cities completely. And yet others suggested that a comprehensive education policy should be adopted so that the nation is made trained and skillful and a sustainable development is ensured. And a joint consensus was gained to adopt the latter one. In today’s times we can see that a school boy or girl can making earnings after coming from school in terms of making watches and other tools that are sold across the world. This is how nations are made strong. Both at national and state level many educational policies came into being and many a commissions were constituted to strengthen the basic infrastructure of state educational infrastructure. Alas! The goal could not be achieved up to an optimum level. An alarming state of affairs is seen here.

So for as our state is concerned, it goes in a reverse way.Educational crises, Unemployment, Govt. services, Accountability, Transparency and whatsoever is at its worst version. Contrary to this, in our state, even after completing UG/PG, PhD, NET/SET our youngsters roam pillar to post in search of a job and return home in a remorseful mood. Even in 21st century we could not improve our system in such a way that could make our young ones self reliant and independent. Since the emergence of UT’s fresh Legislative Assembly it has been seen that a progressive and inspirational type of discussion is never held in our assembly. Only futile political and rather communal toned scuffles are witnessed during every session. After surfing on internet I could the following data:

Enrolment Crisis

Jammu and Kashmir is facing an acute enrollment crisis in both schools and higher education. Driven by demographic shifts, a trust deficit in government institutions, and out-migration, dozens of Government Degree Colleges (GDCs) and hundreds of public schools are reporting critically low numbers, with several operating at zero admissions. There have been Massive Shortfalls in Higher Education as over 100 out of 142 GDCs in J&K struggle to cross 100 student admissions. At least two colleges—GDC Baghi Dilawar Khan and GDC Chattisinghpora—reported zero active student enrollment.

Empty Classrooms

Government school enrollment has witnessed sharp, continuous drops. More than 1,500 schools operate with fewer than 15 students, and dozens across the region have reported zero total enrollment. A report published in Greater Kashmir on 08 Jul 2026 and compiled by Syed Rizwan Geelani reveals that 1,762 J&K schools have fewer than 15 students. The findings contradict repeated claims by the School Education Department that annual enrolment campaigns have helped improve student admissions in government schools. Official figures presented by the Ministry of Education (MoE) also reveal that 135 upper primary schools (UPS) have fewer than 15 students. Besides these, 5,175 primary schools and 748 upper primary schools have enrolment below 30 students, highlighting the extent of the crisis in the government’s elementary education system. The data surfaced during the Project Approval Board (PAB) meeting held on May 14, 2026, chaired by the Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), Ministry of Education, to review the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B) 2026-27 under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for Jammu and Kashmir. The findings contradict repeated claims by the School Education Department that annual enrolment campaigns have helped improve student admissions in government schools. The meeting minutes also flagged a severe shortage of teaching staff. As many as 1,278 primary schools and 77 upper primary schools are functioning with only a single teacher, affecting classroom teaching and overall learning outcomes.
The Ministry also raised concerns over declining student retention at the secondary level. According to official figures presented during the meeting, the retention rate at the secondary stage stands at just 38 per cent, indicating that a large number of students discontinue their education before completing school.“The UT was advised to carry out a detailed assessment of the reasons behind student dropouts and prepare a comprehensive strategy to improve retention, particularly during the transition from upper primary to secondary education,” the meeting minutes state. The official data further indicates that enrolment in government schools has been on a declining trend over the past three years.( source: Wikipedia)

Root Causes

Private School Preference: Nearly half (46%) of all students in J&K now attend private institutions due to widening learning gaps and infrastructure issues in public schools. As our state, despite decades having rolled by, could not develop her basic infrastructure so that it could compete with private sector. Although we can visibly see that Higher Education Department has a feasible infrastructure. And even then an enrollment crisis is seen higher education department. Yet the primary and middle education suffers a lot on account of lack of basic facilities. ( To Be Continued)