SRINAGAR: In Jammu and Kashmir only 30 percent of overall government and recognised private schools have an internet connection available for the students and staff members—thus raising a question on communicating and teaching students virtually.
Official data reveals that only 5115 government-run schools in Jammu and Kashmir have internet facilities available for students and staff. Among these, there are 152 girls’ schools, 4895 co-educational institutes, and 68 boys’ schools.
It also reveals that only one government aided school has an internet connection available. The official figures further state that only 34 Kendriya Vidyalaya central schools were having the internet like facilities available for the students and staff.
According to the official figures, a total of 36 schools run by the Wakf Board were having internet facilities available. About the recognised private schools of Jammu and Kashmir, the official figures reveal that only 3335 educational institutes were having internet facilities available that includes 3312 co-educational private, 20 girls and 13 boys’ schools.
Pertinently, in August 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir government had initiated providing of smart classes in more than 23,000 public schools with educationally backwards blocks on priority.
The government said that it took the initiative of providing a computer lab with smart class facilities in all the 23,283 schools of the Union Territory (UT). It also states that the government was keen to take up the digital initiates on priority for the schools falling in educationally backwards blocks and tribal areas.
The official figures reveal that at least 1420 were set up at elementary level and over 1500 ICT labs at secondary and senior secondary level. “Till Aug-2023, 1420 CAL centers have been established at Upper Primary School level and 1588 ICT labs at Secondary and Higher Secondary Level and are functional till date (May-2023),” it reads.
Principal Secretary, School Education Department was not available for his comments.(KNO)
