SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has 24,228 operational schools, but only 8,550 have internet connectivity, according to data shared by the Centre in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
The Ministry of Education said the Union Territory has 2,783 schools with smart classrooms, 7,981 with computer facilities and 8,550 with internet connectivity, based on UDISE+ 2025-26 data.
The figures were shared in a written reply to an unstarred question on digital education in schools. The ministry said digital education is being promoted under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, with financial assistance provided to states and Union Territories for ICT labs and smart classrooms based on their annual plans. It added that digital learning initiatives such as DIKSHA and PM eVidya are aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality learning resources.
The Centre also said it approved Rs 3,221.1 crore for ICT labs, smart classrooms and digital education initiatives under Samagra Shiksha in 2025-26, of which Rs 2,714.1 crore has been spent. Since 2018-19, the approved allocation has steadily increased to expand digital infrastructure in schools.
To bridge the digital divide, the ministry said PM eVidya provides multi-mode access to education through 200 DTH television channels and 400 radio channels, while DIKSHA offers online and offline access to digital learning content and QR-coded textbooks. It also noted that the Union Budget 2025 announced broadband connectivity for all government secondary schools in rural areas under the BharatNet project in a phased manner.
The reply further showed that 97,141 teachers in Jammu and Kashmir received digital pedagogy training in 2020-21, followed by 84,882 in 2021-22, 1,483 in 2022-23, 401 in 2023-24, 6,443 in 2024-25 and 7,890 in 2025-26.
