Government school enrolment in Jammu and Kashmir has declined by over 52,000 students in the last two academic years, the Ministry of Education informed Parliament on Monday.
As per official data, enrolment dropped from 14,73,022 students in 2021–22 to 14,21,225 in 2023–24, raising concerns over student retention and learning continuity in public schools across the Union Territory.
The data, sourced from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+), was revealed in a written response in the Lok Sabha. It shows that the public school system in J&K, which saw a steady rise in student enrolment from 2019 to 2021, began to witness a decline post-2021–22.
In 2019–20, the total number of students enrolled in government schools stood at 12,71,688, which increased to 13,24,263 in 2020–21, and peaked at 14,73,022 in 2021–22. However, the following year, 2022–23, saw the enrolment decline to 14,54,091, and further drop to 14,21,225 in 2023–24, indicating a cumulative loss of over 52,000 students within two academic sessions.
While the Ministry acknowledged the decline, it clarified that data before 2021 was recorded as aggregate figures, whereas data from 2021–22 onward is based on individual student records, which may account for some fluctuation. Nevertheless, it emphasised that the figures reflect a real and concerning trend.
To address these challenges, the Ministry said it continues to assist J&K through flagship schemes like Samagra Shiksha and PM POSHAN, aimed at improving access, equity, and quality of school education. These centrally sponsored initiatives provide financial support for infrastructure upgrades, digital learning, inclusive education, free textbooks and uniforms, teacher training, and vocational education.
In the financial year (2024–25), the Centre has allocated Rs 34,458.20 crore under Samagra Shiksha to various States and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)
