Despite geographical constraints, access to education over 98% in J&K: Government

Srinagar, Feb 5: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said that despite the access to children for education in J&K being over 98 percent despite geographical constraints while retention, transition rates in schools were improving as well.

The J&K Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled by the J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Legislative Assembly has pointed out that the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of girls has improved substantially during the last five years, implying success of the Beti Padao campaign in J&K.

“During 2024-25, GER of girls is 114.5 at primary level, 80.0 at upper primary level and 67.50 at secondary level, which is higher than the composite GER of 113.7 at primary level, 77.3 at upper primary level and 66.10 at secondary level,” J&K Economic Survey has revealed.

It states that the declining drop-out rates during the last few years was a positive sign for the improving education levels in J&K.

“In 2024-25, drop-out rates have declined to 1.50 at primary level, 3.20 at upper primary and 12.9 at secondary level,” it reads.

The Economic Survey states that the government envisions securing overall development of children through quality education in an equitable manner and has made commendable strides over the years.

“Literacy rate has witnessed substantial growth from 11.03% in 1961 to 68.74% in 2011. Inclusivity, Innovation and Holistic Development is leading educational transformation in J&K which is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020,” it reads.

It reads that the government aims to empower students with critical thinking, digital literacy, and ethical values to prepare them for higher education and future employment.

“This vision includes creating an equitable knowledge society and achieving SDG goals for education, fostering creativity, scientific temper, and lifelong learning,” it reads

It stated that the government was focusing on quality education, safe learning environments, and global competitiveness.

“J&K has a network of 24,137 schools (18,724 government and 5,413 other management) and a total enrollment of over 26,17,817 students from pre-primary to class 12th during 2024-25,” it reads.

In terms of infrastructure, the trends of girls’ toilets, boys’ toilets, hand-washing facilities, library, reading facility, electricity, computer and internet are improving, the Economic Survey reads.

“However, the government is focusing on attaining saturation on these parameters. Despite geographical constraints, access to education is over 98% at all the levels in J&K. With the declining drop-out rate, the retention rates and transition rates are also improving as per UDISE+,” it reads.