Subhalaxmi Sahu
In the heart of the Kashmir Valley, where snow-capped mountains meet lush meadows, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Amidst the region’s socio-political turbulence, education has emerged as a beacon of hope for its youth. Yet, the journey to transform Kashmir’s education system is fraught with challenges and opportunities, reflecting the resilience of its people.
The Digital Leap: A Double-Edged Sword
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to shut down in 2020, 16-year-old Ayesha Khan from Baramulla found herself staring at a blank smartphone screen. With no internet connectivity for weeks, her dreams of becoming a doctor seemed distant. “I felt like I was losing a year of my life,” she recalls.
However, Ayesha’s story took a turn when the government introduced digital learning platforms like SWAYAM and DIKSHA. “Once the internet was restored, I started attending online classes and even completed a course on biology,” she says. Today, Ayesha is one of the thousands of students in Kashmir who have embraced digital learning, thanks to initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Yet, the digital divide remains stark. In remote villages like Gurez, students like 14-year-old Arif Hussain struggle with erratic internet connectivity. “We often have to climb hills to get a signal for our online classes,” Arif explains. According to a 2023 report by the Jammu and Kashmir Directorate of School Education, only 40% of rural schools have access to reliable internet, leaving many students behind.
Government Initiatives: A Ray of Hope
The government has made significant strides in addressing these gaps. In 2022, the Union Ministry of Education launched a special scheme to provide tablets and smartphones to underprivileged students in Kashmir. “This initiative has been a game-changer for many families,” says Dr. Rafiq Ahmad, an educationist based in Srinagar.
Moreover, the establishment of new universities like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu and Kashmir and the Central University of Kashmir has expanded higher education opportunities. “Earlier, students had to move outside the state for quality education. Now, they have options here,” says Prof. Naseer Iqbal, a faculty member at the University of Kashmir.
Private Sector: Bridging the Gap
Private institutions have also played a pivotal role in transforming Kashmir’s education landscape. Schools like the Delhi Public School (DPS) Srinagar and the Kashmir Harvard Educational Institute have introduced modern teaching methodologies and state-of-the-art infrastructure. “We focus on holistic development, ensuring students are prepared for global challenges,” says Asifa Nabi, principal of DPS Srinagar.
However, the high fees of private institutions remain a barrier for many. “We want to send our children to good schools, but the cost is prohibitive,” says Mohammad Shafi, a farmer from Anantnag.
Challenges: A Persistent Reality
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Frequent internet shutdowns, political unrest, and natural calamities continue to disrupt education. In 2024, schools in Kashmir were shut for over 50 days due to curfews and protests, affecting nearly 1.5 million students.
The lack of qualified teachers is another pressing issue. “Many schools in rural areas don’t have teachers for science and mathematics,” says Zahid Hussain, a social activist. According to a 2024 survey by the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers’ Forum, over 30% of teaching positions in government schools remain vacant.
The Way Forward: A Collective Effort
To address these challenges, experts emphasize the need for a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening digital infrastructure, investing in teacher training, and promoting local higher education are critical steps. “We need to ensure that every child in Kashmir has access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background,” says Dr. Shafiq ur Rehman, an education policy analyst.
Initiatives like skill development programs and vocational training are also gaining traction. The Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Srinagar, for instance, has trained over 1,000 students in trades like carpentry, plumbing, and computer applications in the past year. “These programs have given me the confidence to start my own business,” says 20-year-old Imran Bhat, a graduate of ITI Srinagar.
Education as a Catalyst for Change
As Kashmir navigates its complex socio-political landscape, education remains a powerful tool for empowerment and transformation. While challenges like infrastructure deficiencies and political instability persist, the region’s youth are determined to overcome these hurdles.
For students like Ayesha and Arif, education is not just a means to a better future but a symbol of hope and resilience. As Ayesha puts it, “Education is our weapon to fight against all odds. It’s the only way we can build a brighter tomorrow for Kashmir.”
With sustained efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society, Kashmir’s education system has the potential to become a model for other conflict-affected regions. The journey is long, but the destination—a prosperous and educated Kashmir—is within reach.
(Note:Subhalaxmi Sahu, from Odisha, is a 5th-semester Integrated B.Ed-M.Ed student at Central University of Kashmir, passionate about education and innovative teaching.)
