SRINAGAR: The number of Children with Special Needs enrolled in schools in Jammu and Kashmir has declined by nearly 10 per cent over the last five years, even as government spending on inclusive education under Samagra Shiksha has increased, official data tabled in Parliament shows, raising concerns about identification, retention and outreach in the Union Territory.
According to figures presented in the Lok Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 22,736 Children with Special Needs in 2020 to 21. This number fell steadily to 17,993 by 2023 to 24, before rising again to 20,534 in 2024 to 25. Despite the marginal recovery in the latest year, enrolment remains well below the levels recorded at the beginning of the decade, indicating persistent gaps in coverage and continuity.
The data was shared by the Ministry of Education in response to a question on inclusive education under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. The ministry said a dedicated Inclusive Education component is being implemented across all States and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Financial allocations for inclusive education in Jammu and Kashmir have fluctuated but show an overall upward trend. The approved outlay rose from Rs 1,022.59 lakh in 2020 to 21 to Rs 1,287.30 lakh in 2024 to 25, with a dip in 2023 to 24. The funds are meant to support identification and assessment camps, assistive devices, transport and escort allowances, home based education for children with severe disabilities, salaries and training of special educators, and barrier free infrastructure in schools.
At the national level, total enrolment of Children with Special Needs stood at over 21.49 lakh in 2024 to 25, compared to 21.91 lakh in 2020 to 21. Several large states reported sharper fluctuations. Maharashtra, the focus of the parliamentary question, saw enrolment decline from 2.80 lakh in 2020 to 21 to 2.33 lakh in 2024 to 25, while Uttar Pradesh recorded an increase to 3.33 lakh in the latest year.
The ministry stated that States track learning outcomes and retention of Children with Special Needs using UDISE plus data, periodic assessments and individualised education plans. However, no Jammu and Kashmir specific assessment findings were placed in the House, leaving unanswered questions about whether the recent decline reflects improved data accuracy, dropouts, migration, or failures in early identification.
Officials said Samagra Shiksha works in convergence with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to provide aids and appliances through the ADIP SSA scheme.
