EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN KASHMIR
The State government of Jammu and Kashmir established their own education board and a state university in the year 1970. With a structure of primary, secondary and higher secondary. Subsequently College and universities for further education. The Jammu and Kashmir state board of school education follows a pattern of 10+2 in which state board exams are conducted in class 8th, 10th and 10+2 are parallel to which there are also Kendriya Vidalyas which are run by the Government of India and also Indian Army Schools. With 3542 new Primary schools in Kashmir and 2760 Schools upgraded to Upper Primary the strength of Schools has gained a boost in recent times with total rising for Govt Schools as
Primary Schools – 5710
Higher Secondary – 805
Higher Sen Secondary- 379
In addition to this there are 126 Computer Aided Learning centres have been established with assistive devices for the disabled which also provide medical aid. Kashmir is home to 12 Universities, which include two Central and Deemed Universities. With an IIT, NIT, NIFT, IIMC and IIM each it is home to vast number of Graduates and Post graduates. Development of Universities and Colleges enhances the potential of Students and provides more opportunities and accessibility of education to the students.University of Kashmir (NIRF rank – 48)
Shri Mata Vaishnu Devi University (NIRF rank – 78)
As per the last census of 2011 the Literacy rate of Kashmir is 67.18 %. The difference in the male and the female literacy rate is a gap to bridge. The state with more than 50 degree colleges and 12 Universities for degrees in Science, Arts and Commerce stream.
The government in addition to these is planning to open 352 schools to provide an introduction to vocational education for eliminating the gap between the educated and the employable to further curtail the drop out rate which will be benefitting 23,000 students which presently at the primary level is 11.33 %. An allocation of Rs 2392 Crore has been done for the year 2020-21 for School and Higher education.The influence of education is one of the most viable and sustainable tools for achieving peace and stability in the region. Normalcy cannot be forced to exist but the Armed forces have found a means of instilling positivity and measures to reduce the misinformation through education. Since the Abrogation of Article 370 and COVID- 19 the Kashmir valley has seen unprecedented shutdown of Institutions and schools. There has been a high academic cost to the students due to lockdown. The armed forces through their efforts have been instrumental in rolling out information to the Awaam about pandemic as well as the advantages that follow the abrogation.Ali Mohammad Mir a porter who is a resident of Mayan, Uri has been working for the armed forces for 25 years. With a family of 6 including two sons and daughter named Mir Mayasir (Son), Shakir Ali (Son) and Mehwish Ali (Daughter). His efforts and determination to provide quality education to his children are unparallel. His children received education from JKBOSE and achieved Distinction grading in respective examinations they appeared for. They aim to further study and work for the betterment of the society and country. Furthermore they’ve secured the following marks.
Mir Mayasir – 428 / 500 = 85.60 %
Mehwish Ali – 422 / 500 = 84.40 %
Shakir Ali – 559 / 600 = 93.16 %
If given an opportunity the students can improve and enhance their skill and knowledge. Similarly numerous students in the state are left at the chance of decisions which are derived from factors such as financial, availability of education locally and misinformation about career choices. It is our bound duty to establish a firm support in order to uplift such stigmas that exist related to Youth education and career.
