J&K Implements School Rationalisation: 4,300+ Institutions Merged

Jammu and Kashmir : The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced the merger of over 4,300 schools with nearby institutions under the rationalization scheme. The move aims to optimise educational resources, improve student-teacher ratios, and ensure better infrastructure for students.

In response to a question from Rajiv Jasrotia in the Legislative Assembly, Education Minister Sakina Itoo revealed that a total of 4,358 schools had been either closed or merged due to various reasons, including low enrollment and lack of proper infrastructure. Out of these, 1,274 schools were merged in the Jammu region, while 3,084 schools were affected in the Kashmir region.

The highest number of closures and mergers in Kashmir division occurred in Baramulla district, whereas Jammu district recorded the most closures in the Jammu region. The minister explained that schools located in the same vicinity or those without proper buildings were merged with nearby institutions to ensure better resource allocation.

Responding to another question regarding vacancies in the School Education Department, the minister highlighted a significant number of unfilled teaching posts in both Jammu and Kashmir regions.

With the closure and merger of these institutions, the Education Department has taken steps to rationalize and redeploy surplus teachers based on the actual requirements of different zones and districts. The reallocation of teachers is aimed at addressing imbalances in staffing and ensuring that students receive quality education.

The high number of vacant posts has raised concerns about the quality of education, as many schools continue to operate without sufficient teaching staff. The government has assured that steps will be taken to fill these vacancies to maintain the standard of education across the Union Territory.

The J&K government’s rationalisation initiative is aimed at reducing resource wastage, ensuring that educational institutions function efficiently, and providing students with access to better-equipped schools.