Sir,
Education is one of the most important instruments for social, economic and political transformation in any society anywhere in the world. A well-educated and skilled population equipped with knowledge not only drives socio-economic development but also ensures personal growth too. In India, there is a constitutional obligation to make available free and compulsory education to all children in the age group of 06-14 years. The schemes like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyaan (secondary education) are also working towards achieving this goal. These schemes are being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir too but the results are slow. The Government-run primary and middle schools, which form more than 70 per cent of the total Government schools in Jammu division, lack basic infrastructure. The condition of high and higher secondary schools is also not up to the mark. It is an irony that the Government schools in J&K are lacking the basic infrastructure and basic amenities in terms of drinking water, electricity, toilets, class rooms, laboratories et al. Government schools continue to struggle with poor facilities, unskilled teachers and high dropout rates. It’s very sad state of affairs that Government schools in our State are in shambles as far as the basic infrastructure and latest technology is concerned. Government educational institutions in various districts of Jammu division like Reasi, Udhampur, Ramban, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch show a bleak picture in terms of basic amenities and infrastructure. Poor children always prefer to get enrolled in Government schools because of fee relaxation but if the current situation remains unabated and unchecked then how can we expect our state to groom and flourish as far as quality of education is concerned? Government needs to introspect in this matter as soon as possible and should come up with a genuine solution which in turn will go a long way in eradicating the roots of this burning issue. The Government should kick start the district level surveys so that the each and every school of J&K get due attention so that these Government institutions get all the basic amenities and other facilities in order to compete with the private institutions.
Vivek Koul
Jammu
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