Srinagar, Mar 25, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir government has acknowledged that thousands of government schools across the Union Territory lack essential infrastructure, including clean drinking water, functional toilets, libraries, and internet connectivity.
Responding to a query by legislator Ranbir Singh Pathania in the Assembly, the government revealed that out of 18,724 schools, 8,807 lack drinking water, 12,615 have non-functional toilets, and 8,457 do not have libraries. Additionally, 6,916 schools lack laboratories, 8,036 are without playgrounds, and 8,807 have no boundary walls, raising security concerns. Furthermore, 11,093 schools are without smart classrooms and internet connectivity, and 6,645 schools have no safaiwalas, while 92 schools lack even a single cook under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
The government clarified that Cook-cum-Helpers under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme are appointed on an honorarium basis under a 90:10 cost-sharing formula between the Centre and the UT administration. However, since these positions are temporary, no regularization policy exists.
On private school fee regulation, the government highlighted the role of the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC), established in 2013 under a retired High Court judge, to prevent arbitrary hikes and ensure transparency.
The administration assured that steps are being taken to enhance school infrastructure and improve accountability in both government and private institutions. However, the massive infrastructure gap remains a significant challenge for education in the region.
