Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – At least 65 government-run schools in Jammu and Kashmir are operating without a single student enrolled, according to a new report by India’s Ministry of Education.
The findings, released earlier this week, reveal serious challenges facing the region’s public education system. The report notes that out of 18,785 government schools across the Union Territory, 62 primary schools and three upper primary schools have zero enrolment.
In addition, more than 5,000 schools have fewer than 30 students, while nearly 1,600 institutions are operating with enrolment numbers below 15.
Staff-Student Imbalance and Infrastructure Concerns
The report also points to a troubling trend in student-teacher ratios. Around 16 percent of primary schools in the region have what the Ministry terms a “negative Pupil-Teacher Ratio” – meaning fewer students than teaching staff, raising questions over resource allocation and efficiency.
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The Ministry has asked local authorities to investigate the reasons behind the low enrolment numbers and address staffing issues in schools with disproportionate ratios.
Vocational Education Lagging Behind
The report further highlights the slow pace of vocational education implementation. Under the Samagra Shiksha programme – a nationwide educational reform initiative – the ministry had approved vocational training for 1,869 schools in Jammu and Kashmir. However, only 621 schools have successfully rolled out the programmes so far, representing a 72% coverage rate.
Vocational training sectors include agriculture, information technology, healthcare, tourism, retail, beauty and wellness, and others.
The Ministry has urged the administration to expand the reach of skill-based education by identifying new sectors aligned with local economic needs, and by introducing relevant job roles for students in underrepresented areas.
Wider Context
Education in Indian-administered Kashmir has long been affected by political instability, military presence, and periodic shutdowns that disrupt academic life. Analysts say low enrolment numbers are not solely a reflection of policy gaps but also the broader environment in which children and families in conflict zones navigate education.
Independent observers have noted that infrastructure decay, lack of accountability, and socio-political alienation have all contributed to declining trust in state-run institutions.
While Indian authorities have promoted schemes aimed at modernising education in the region, critics argue that results on the ground remain inconsistent.