Shopian sees expansion in school infrastructure; enrollment drive, literacy push surge

Shopian, May 8:The school education sector in south Kashmir’s Shopian district witnessed a wide range of interventions and achievements during the financial year 2025–26, including expansion of infrastructure, intensified enrolment drives, literacy milestones and targeted welfare measures aimed at improving access, equity and learning outcomes, official data showed.

A major focus remained on strengthening enrolment in government schools, with a mega drive launched on March 7, 2025. The initiative aimed at encouraging parents to admit children in government institutions by highlighting improved facilities and quality of education. Officials said the campaign sought to boost enrolment, reduce dropout rates and ensure that no child is left out of the formal education system due to socio-economic constraints. On the infrastructure front, the district reported the establishment of four new school buildings, construction of one additional classroom room (ACR), and erection of 17 boundary walls to improve safety and school environments. Several institutions were also strengthened under digital education initiatives, with multiple schools upgraded into smart classrooms to support modern teaching methods. Basic facilities were further improved with the construction of separate toilet blocks for boys and girls in select schools to enhance hygiene and attendance, particularly among female students. Under the SamagraShiksha framework, the district reported successful implementation of foundational learning assessments under FLNAT-III. Officials said Shopian was also declared 100 per cent literate under the ULLAS (Nav Bharat SakshartaKaryakram) programme, marking a significant milestone in adult and foundational literacy efforts.

Inclusive education remained a key area of focus. According to official data, an Assessment-cum-Measurement Camp for Children With Special Needs (CWSN) was successfully conducted to identify requirements and strengthen targeted support for students with disabilities. In addition, 182 assistive aids and appliances were distributed among 146 CWSN beneficiaries under the Inclusive Education (IED) wing of SamagraShiksha, aimed at improving mobility, learning access and classroom participation.

Financial support under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes also formed a major component of welfare interventions. A total of Rs 7,12,500 was disbursed among 518 CWSN beneficiaries. In another initiative, Rs 80,92,200 was transferred to 13,487 students for uniform assistance, aimed at reducing financial burden on families and improving school attendance. Further, 20,739 students were provided free textbooks during FY 2025–26, with an expenditure of Rs 44,87,200, ensuring equitable access to learning material across socio-economic groups. The district also enrolled 1,892 students in seasonal education centres, designed for children in areas affected by seasonal migration or difficult terrain, helping maintain continuity in education. Officials said these interventions collectively reflect sustained efforts to strengthen the education system in Shopian through improved infrastructure, expanded outreach, financial assistance and inclusive learning measures. They added that the focus will remain on improving learning outcomes, increasing enrolment and ensuring that vulnerable groups, including children with special needs, receive adequate institutional support.