DELHI: Nearly 46 per cent of students in Jammu and Kashmir are enrolled in private unaided schools, according to the latest government data, highlighting a significant shift towards private education. The total enrollment in private schools in the Union Territory stood at 12,03,064 in the academic year 2023-24, compared to 14,21,643 students in government schools.
The data, presented in the Rajya Sabha, also indicates a broader decline in school enrolment across levels in Jammu and Kashmir, mirroring national trends. Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, student numbers at the elementary, secondary, and senior secondary levels have decreased, reflecting concerns over school closures, migration, and changing parental preferences.
A declining trend is also evident in the number of schools in Jammu and Kashmir. The figures show a steady reduction over the past four years. In 2020-21, there were 28,930 schools in the Union Territory. By 2021-22, the number had dropped to 28,805, and the following year saw a sharper decline, with only 24,278 schools recorded in 2022-23. The latest data for 2023-24 reports a slight increase to 24,296, but the overall trend remains downward. This suggests a significant restructuring of the school network, with over 4,600 schools closing between 2020-21 and 2022-23. Education officials attribute this reduction to demographic shifts and infrastructural consolidation efforts.
While the exact causes behind the increasing preference for private schooling remain varied, factors such as perceived better facilities, English-medium instruction, and improved academic outcomes are believed to contribute to the trend. However, the high cost of private education continues to be a challenge for many families.
The government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening public education, particularly in rural and economically weaker sections, through initiatives such as smart classrooms and digital learning tools. However, the growing disparity between public and private school enrolment in Jammu and Kashmir underscores the need for a reassessment of education policies in the region.
