Srinagar, Apr 3: The education sector in north Kashmir's Kupwara district has been left on crutches as around 62 percent posts of lecturers are lying vacant in the higher secondary schools of the district. Besides, 42 percent posts of masters are also lying the schools, affecting the academics in the schools. The figures were revealed by the J&K Government in response to a question raised by MLA Langate Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh who sought cadre-wise details of sanctioned positions of lecturers, masters, teachers and other allied staff in Kupwara district. The minister for education informed the House that against sanctioned strength of 675 posts of lecturers, 254 posts were filled while 421 posts were vacant in the district. "Out of 866 posts of Masters, 501 are filled while 365 posts are lying vacant," the minister informed the Assembly. The government further informed the House that out of 3500 posts of teachers, 2871 were filled while 365m posts were lying vacant. "These vacant posts have been freezed for drawal of salary for Grade II and III teachers," the minister informed the House. The government further said against the total sanctioned strength of 6424 posts of teaching and non-teaching staff 4767 were filled while 1165 posts were unfilled in education department of Kupwara district. About Langate constituency, the government said that 93 posts of lecturers, 59 posts of Masters and 17 posts of teachers were lying vacant in Langate constituency. "Out of total sanctioned strength of 1673 teaching and non-teaching posts, 1407 were filled while 266 posts were lying vacant," the government informed the House. The government further said that the shortage of teaching staff in District Kupwara, particularly Langate Constituency was being addressed through rationalisation of available teaching staff in accordance with established norms and requirements. "In addition, the services of Cluster Resource Coordinators (CRCs) are being utilized, wherever necessary, to ensure that academic activities in the concerned institutions continue smoothly and effectively," minister for education informed the House.

Srinagar, April 3: The educational institutions in remote areas continue to remain out of sight of the government as around 80 percent of the lecturer positions are lying vacant in higher secondary schools of Gurez valley. The revelation was made by the government during the ongoing Budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly in response to a question raised by MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan. MLA Gurez raised the issue about the "severe dearth" of teaching faculty in the higher secondary schools of Gurez constituency which has adversely affected the educational prospects of the students enrolled in these schools. The government in its reply informed the House that out of 85 sanctioned posts of lecturers only 25 posts were filled while 60 positions of the lecturers were lying vacant in the Gurez. "To overcome the shortage of staff at the +2 level Zone Gurez, series of local postgraduate teachers and masters are being utilized against the vacant lecturer positions, and CRCs are being engaged," the government in its reply informed the Assembly. The government further said that the administrative department was actively pursuing the promotion aspects which is expected to narrow down the gap. However sharing school wise details, the government informed the Legislative Assembly that 12 posts of lecturers were vacant in Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Purana Tulail while seven posts were vacant in BHSS and six posts were lying vacant in BHSS Baduab. The government further informed that seven posts were vacant in Girls HSS Dawer, BHSSS Izmarg (9), BHSS Badugam (9) and HSS Kilshat (10). "594 vacancies of lecturers of different subjects have been referred to the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC). The selection lists of these vacancies are in final stages and selections have been received in some subjects," the government said. The House was informed that the department has already initiated the exercise of placing eligible PG masters and PG teachers as in-charge lecturers to fill up the vacancies arising in schools. "Since January 2026, 48 PG Masters/Teachers in the discipline of Geography, 87 in the discipline of Political Science, and 10 in the discipline of Dogri have been placed as in-charge lecturers," the government said. The Government further said that the School Education Department was contemplating placing more PG masters in other disciplines as in-charge lecturers to fill up the vacancies of lecturers. "The teachers currently on deputation outside Gurez have also been detached and repatriated back to Gurez," Government informed the House. As already reported, in February this year, CEO Bandipora was put under suspension a day after he cancelled the deputation of teaching staff in Bandipora and  repatriated them to their original place of posting Gurez. On Monday, minister for education Sakina Itoo revealed in the Legislative Assembly that around 150 lecturers and principals of Gurez were working in urban areas. She said that all these lecturers will be sent back to their original place of posting, provided there is no "undue influence" from any quarters. She said that directions were already issued to the Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) to detach these teachers from their current postings and send them back to their original place of postings in Gurez," she informed the House. "There should be no undue influence or recommendations from any member or other quarters if these lecturers and principals are sent back to their original place of postings," Sakina Itoo said in the Assembly.

'Enrolment drives conducted every year to ensure 100% enrollment' Srinagar, April 3: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Legislator Devinder Kumar Manyal on Thursday raised alarm over the dropout rate of students from primary to secondary level students in government schools across J&K. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, BJP Legislator said that the dropout rate of students at primary level was 1.6 percent and 3.3 percent at Upper Primary level. He said that the dropout rate of students at secondary level was 13.4  percent as compared to national average of 8.4 percent. "The percent of dropout rate of students is higher than national average which is a major concern for the government," he said. He was speaking in the House in response to the reply provided by the government regarding the steps taken by the School Education Department (SED) to address the declining enrollment of the students in government schools. "School Education Department has taken a number of initiatives to bring the children to the school and to ensure 100 percent enrolment at primary level," the minister in-charge for education informed the Legislative Assembly. She said the department was holding enrolment drives at directorate level annually besides the Out of School Children were also identified through door-to-door survey and their mainstreaming is done through direct enrolment. "The department has established seasonal centres for the children of tribal migratory population to prevent learning disruption during the migratory period," the minister for education, Sakina Itoo informed the Assembly. She also said that free uniforms and textbooks are being provided to around eight lakh children in government schools besides Mid-Day Meal (MDM) was provided under PM POSHAN to every child from pre-primary sections to class 8th. "Pre-primary sections have been started in 15550 government schools and an increase in enrolment has been recorded at pre-primary level," she said. She said that enrollment at pre-primary level has increased from 1.80 lacs in 2023-24 to 1.85 lacs in 2024-25. "Scholarship is being provided to the girls students under the Beti Anmol Scheme to encourage the girl's education at Senior Secondary level," she said. About the utilisation of buildings and vacant land of clubbed schools;, the government informed the Assembly that the school buildings and land rendered vacant due to the merger of schools has been handed over to the concerned district administration for utilisation by other departments. About the proposal for up gradation of schools, the government said that there was no such proposal for up-gradation of schools to their next higher level from (Primary to Middle), (Middle to High) and (High to Higher Secondary) including the schools of the border areas. "The School Education Department is focusing on creation of required infrastructure and providing staff to all schools especially the upgraded ones. As and when there is any proposal for up-gradation of existing schools, the feasible schools of border areas shall also be examined for consideration," the minister informed the House.

Srinagar, Apr 2: The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) on Thursday extended gratitude and hailed the minister for education for introducing bill in Assembly for the establishment and incorporation of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir. President PSAJK Dr Nazrul Baba welcomed the move and said the long pending demand of private sector has been fulfilled. "We congratulate the education minister for this decision. It will be a historic move in establishing knowledge parks and knowledge hubs across J&K," president PSAJK said. Earlier, Minister for education, Sakeena Itoo introduced a Bill in the Legislative Assembly for the establishment and incorporation of private universities in Jammu and Kashmir. The Bill, titled “A Bill for the Establishment and Incorporation of Private Universities in Jammu and Kashmir and for Ensuring Academic Standards to Safeguard Quality Education and Protect the Interests of Students” (L.A. Bill No. 08 of 2026), has already been published in an extraordinary issue of the Official Gazette.

Workshop on use of linguistic software, tools concludes at KU Srinagar Mar 31: The Department of Linguistics, University of Kashmir (KU), successfully concluded a two-day workshop on ‘Use of Linguistics Software and Tools’ at the Main Campus. The workshop aimed to familiarise participants with contemporary linguistic software and equip them with practical skills for data analysis, phonetic research, and language documentation in an era marked by the growing use of and dependence on artificial intelligence. Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her message said that incorporating digital tools into language studies is key to keeping pace with changing academic practices. "Such initiatives help students and scholars refine their research skills and engage more effectively with emerging methodologies in linguistics," she said. Speaking at the inaugural session, Controller of Examinations KU, Prof. Majid Zaman, said the integration of technology with linguistic research was essential in today’s rapidly evolving academic landscape. "Workshops like these empower students and scholars to engage with advanced tools and enhance the quality and scope of their research," he said. Former Head, Department of Linguistics, KU, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Dhar, emphasized the relevance of computational tools in modern linguistics and encouraged participants to adopt innovative approaches in their academic work. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Parah, faculty at the Department of Electronics & Instrumentation Technology, KU, highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of such trainings and spoke about the role of technology in enhancing research precision and efficiency. Earlier, Head, Department of Linguistics, KU, Prof. Musavir Ahmad, in his welcome address underscored the importance of learning and using specialised software tools to keep pace with emerging trends in linguistic research and pedagogy. The workshop featured expert sessions and hands-on training on software such as Flex and Praat, enabling participants to gain practical exposure to linguistic data processing and phonetic analysis. Participants actively engaged in the sessions and gained helpful insights into the application of these tools in their academic and research pursuits. The workshop was attended by research scholars and students from the Department of Linguistics at the Main Campus.

'Decision will pave way for stable, balanced policy framework for private education in J&K' Srinagar, Mar 31: In a major relief, J&K School Education Department (SED) on Tuesday extended the affiliation relaxation for private schools lacking valid recognition till March 31, 2027. A circular in this regard has been issued by the Commissioner Secretary SED, Ram Niwas Sharma as the previous deadline of March 31, 2026 was set to expire. The decision was taken for the schools that failed to meet the requirements laid down under S.O. 177 of 2022. As per the circular, the move has been taken to prevent disruption in academic activities and ensure continuity for students enrolled in such institutions. As per the circular, the exemption initially allowed non-affiliated schools to operate during the 2023-24 academic session when they were tagged with nearby government schools and was later extended to cover the 2024-25 session. During this period, the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) was directed to provide all essential services, including Registration Returns (RR), eligibility, migration, and examination facilities for students of Classes 9 to 12. Subsequently, another extension granted in August 2025 had pushed the deadline to March 2026. However, with the expiry approaching and no final decision from the designated panel, the government has now granted a further one-year extension to these private schools.   As per the circular, a committee was constituted under Government Order No. 1703-JK(GAD) of 2024 to examine cases of private schools not complying with S.O. 177 norms. However the committee, tasked with scrutinising applications on a case-by-case basis following multiple representations from affected educational institutions is yet to submit its recommendations. “Keeping in view the academic needs of the students the government has extended the terms and conditions outlined in the 2024 circular up to March 31, 2027. The move will enable schools to secure provisional affiliation with JKBOSE and complete other necessary formalities for student registration and examinations. Also, the government has directed the committee to expedite its work and submit its report at the earliest to facilitate a comprehensive and final resolution of the issue. Meanwhile, the Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) welcomed the decision and termed it timely and student-centric intervention. Meanwhile, Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), has extended its gratitude to the J&K Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, minister for education and Commissioner Secretary SED for extending the affiliation relaxation period till March 31, 2027. President PSAJK Nazrul Islam Baba termed the move as timely, student-centric, and reform-oriented saying that the decision safeguards the academic future of thousands of students and provides critical relief to private schools facing procedural challenges under S.O. 177. “This reflects a responsive and visionary administration that prioritizes students and listens to genuine concerns,” Baba said. He added that PSAJK remains hopeful that this long-pending issue will now be resolved once and for all in transparent, and equitable manner. PSAJK reaffirmed its commitment to quality education and constructive collaboration with the government. President PSAJK expressed optimism that the decision will pave the way for a stable and balanced policy framework for private education in J&K.

Srinagar, March 31: The ruling NC MLA Saifullah Mir on Monday came down heavily on the government over the prevailing education system citing that poor and underprivileged students were deprived of quality education in schools. He also criticised the government for its failure to regulate the fee structure of private schools in Jammu and Kashmir. He flagged "widening inequality" in the education system of J&K, saying that poor children and those from underprivileged backgrounds were being systematically denied access to quality education. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly while introducing a private member’s bill, Mir Saifullah sought to make it mandatory for private educational institutions including agriculture, paramedical, law and skill development colleges to reserve a fixed percentage of seats for children belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families. However, the proposed legislation faced opposition from the government, which urged the MLA to withdraw the bill. MLA Trehgam, however, termed it a “serious social concern,” and said the growing disparity between rich and poor was creating “a class within a class,” with economically weaker sections increasingly pushed to the margins of the education system. "There is no financial burden on the government in this proposal. It is purely a social responsibility that needs to be addressed,” he said. He said that private educational institutions must be made accountable for ensuring inclusivity. The MLA alleged that exorbitant and unregulated fee structures in private schools and colleges had effectively shut the doors of quality education for poor families. “Private institutions are charging fees at their own will. There is no regulation, no control. In many cases, fees in private schools exceed the fee structure of government colleges," he said. He further pointed out that children from BPL and AAY families were often unable to secure admission in private institutions due to their inability to afford fees, uniforms, books, and transportation. “A labourer, a poor person, an orphan or a disabled individual simply cannot afford private schooling. This is the harsh reality,” he said. He said this disparity was directly impacting students’ performance in competitive examinations. “Those who study in private institutions dominate competitive exams, while poor students are left behind due to lack of resources and exposure,” he said. He highlighted the link between economic barriers and literacy rates and said the inability of poor families to access quality education was a key reason why universal literacy remained elusive. “If we do not address this issue here in the House, then where will we?” he questioned. The ruling NC MLA proposed that the government should mandate a 10 to 20 percent reservation for economically weaker sections in all private educational institutions. "Such a move would not significantly impact these institutions financially. What difference will it make to them if a few poor students are admitted free of cost? But it will make a huge difference in society,” he said. He further said that even government school teachers and educationists prefer private institutions for their own children. “No teacher’s or principal’s child studies in a government school. This itself reflects the lack of confidence in the system,” he said. He also flagged the situation in rural areas, where many families still struggle to send their children to school due to financial constraints. “They do not have money for books, uniforms, transport or fees. Until this is addressed, inequality will persist,” he added. he further urged the government, particularly the Chief Minister, to intervene and take corrective measures, warning that failure to act would deepen social divisions and further marginalize the poor population. "The aim should be to create a level playing field. Otherwise, this divide will only widen,” he said.

Srinagar, March 31: The Jammu and Kashmir government has attributed the variation in the Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) of government schools to the demographic changes and population migrations. The government has however said that the School Education Department (SED) periodically reviews such situations and appropriate measures including rationalisation of staff and resources is being done to maintain a balanced student-teacher ratio in schools. The revelation came to fore in a written reply of  minister in-charge for education to a question raised by MLA Uri Dr. Sajad Shafi in the Legislative Assembly. MLA Uri had asked the government if schools under erstwhile SSA schools were opened without proper rationalisation, resulting in the variation in the PTR, particularly in Uri constituency. The minister in a written reply said that the Primary and Middle Schools established under the erstwhile Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) were opened in accordance with the prescribed distance norms and guidelines with the objective of ensuring universal access to elementary education, particularly in remote and underserved areas. "However, variations in the student-teacher ratio arise from time to time due to demographic changes, migration of population, and fluctuations in student enrollment," the reply reads. "SED reviews such situations and appropriate measures, including rationalisation of staff and resources, are taken to maintain a balanced student-teacher ratio in schools," it reads. The government further informed the House that as per available records, schools in Baramulla district, including Uri Constituency, were presently functioning with an approximate student-teacher ratio of 1:17 at Primary level and 1:20 at Upper Primary level, "which is broadly within the prescribed norms." "The position is monitored from time to time and necessary adjustments are made, wherever required, in accordance with established guidelines," the reply reads. The government further said that the Cooks working in government schools have been engaged under PM POSHAN Scheme (Erstwhile Mid Day Meals Scheme) and were being paid a monthly honorarium of Rs.1000 for 10 months in a year, on a sharing pattern of 90:10 (CS:SS). "As per the scheme they are engaged for preparation of meals only and not for whole day. The engagement of cooks-cum-helpers is governed by the norms and guidelines of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education," the reply reads. The government said these cooks were paid a monthly honorarium of Rs 900 under grants provided by the Ministry. "Further, any enhancement in their honorarium falls within the prerogative of the Government of India," the reply reads. The government further said that AAYAs have been engaged under Early Childhood Care & Education to support Pre-Primary Children (3 to 6 years of age) in various schools across J&K, on the basis of approval conveyed by the Ministry of Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, GoI under the CSS Samagra Shiksha.

Srinagar, March 31:  The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that four school buildings were declared unsafe for children in Budgam constituency. This was revealed in a written reply of minister in-charge for education to a question raised by MLA Budgam Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi. Mehdi had sought details of the school buildings declared unsafe in Budgam constituency and steps taken by the government for their reconstruction. "Four school buildings of Budgam constituency have been declared unsafe by the PW(R&B) Department. The construction of new building for Middle School CI Dass Zone, Soibugh has been approved under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme during the current financial year 2025-26," the minister in a written reply said. The government further said that the construction of new buildings for schools declared unsafe shall be proposed under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme and UT Capex Budget 2026-27 as per requirement and availability of funds. About the initiatives taken to implement National Education Policy 2020, the government said that since 2022-23, a total of 209 Kindergartens have been established in Budgam district at a cost of Rs 2.00 lakh each, out of which 30 Kindergartens were established in Budgam constituency alone. "Besides this, during the current financial year 2025-26, 15 hybrid classrooms have been established at a cost of Rs 8.00 lakh as an initiative under the National Education Policy 2020," the reply reads. "In Budgam district, all zones of Budgam constituency (Budgam/Soibugh) have been covered under this initiative, and a total of 2,177 KG students have been enrolled," it reads. The government further said that the other components of NEP 2020 functional in Budgam Constituency three PM SHRI Schools established under the PM SHRI Schools scheme besides extension of Vocational Trades (Skill Education) in 17 schools and training imparted to 438 teachers to strengthen early grade reading, writing, and numeracy skills under Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). Also, five Astro Physics Laboratories have been established while 31 number of ICT/CAL (Information and Communication Technology / Computer Aided Learning) laboratories have been established to enhance digital learning and technology-enabled education in schools. "One Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) has been established to promote innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning among students through STEM-based activities," the reply reads

'Will send them back, provided there is no undue influence' Srinagar, Mar 31: Minister for education Sakina Itoo on Monday revealed in the Legislative Assembly that around 150 lecturers and principals of Gurez were working in urban areas. She said that all these lecturers will be sent back to their original place of posting, provided there is no undue influence. She was responding to a concern raised by MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Gurezi who flagged dearth of lecturers and principals in higher secondary schools of Gurez. Minister for Education Sakina while responding to the MLA during the zero hour of the House, said that nearly 150 lecturers and principals originally posted in Gurez are currently working in urban areas such as Srinagar, Bandipora and Baramulla. She said that all of them would be sent back to their original places of posting. Earlier, MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi flagged an acute shortage of teaching staff in eight higher secondary schools of the Gurez constituency. "I have eight higher secondary schools in my constituency but none of them have subject-specific lecturers in key disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, Zoology and Botany," he said. He said the absence of teaching staff was severely affecting academic functioning and students’ prospects. He highlighted the procedural delays in hiring contractual lecturers and said the process of advertisement and selection often leads to loss of an entire academic session. He further urged the government to consider engaging locally available qualified candidates on a temporary basis to ensure continuity in teaching. Responding to the concerns, education minister Sakina Itoo clarified that the School Education Department does not hire contractual staff. She however acknowledged the issue of staff misallocation saying that a significant number of lecturers and principals appointed for Gurez had been attached to institutions in other districts. "It will surprise you that around 150 principals and lecturers from Gurez are presently working in Srinagar, Bandipora and Baramulla," the minister informed the House. She added that this arrangement was unjust to the students of Gurez. "I have already issued directions to the Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) to detach these teachers from their current postings and send them back to their original place of postings in Gurez," she informed the House. She however informed the House that there should be no undue influence or recommendations from any member or other quarters if these lecturers and principals are sent back to their original place of postings. “Except for genuine cases of health or marriage grounds, no requests will be considered. These teachers were appointed for Gurez and must serve there,” she said. The minister assured the House that the decision would help address the shortage of teaching staff in the remote region and improve the academic environment in higher secondary schools.

Muhammad Adnan Srinagar, Mar 28: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday informed the Legislative Assembly that a series of regulatory measures have been put in place to control fee structures in private schools and curb profiteering in the education sector. In a written reply to a query raised by MLA Shamim Firdous, the minister in-charge for education said that under the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act, 2022, strict provisions have been implemented for the fixation and regulation of fees in private institutions. The House was informed that as per Rule 7 of the J&K Private Schools (Fixation, Determination and Regulation of Fee) Rules, 2022, no private school is allowed to fix, collect, or increase any fee without prior approval from the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC). The government said that the fee structure of private schools is determined on the basis of detailed financial audits to prevent profiteering and ensure that education does not become a commercial enterprise. The government further said that multiple parameters are taken into account while approving fee structures. These include the location of the school, available infrastructure, expenditure on administration and maintenance, and a reasonable surplus required for the institution’s growth and development. The government said that factors such as academic performance, grant-in-aid received, use of modern technology, student strength, and the nature of classes offered are also considered while fixing fees for the private schools. The categorisation of schools based on their location ranging from rural areas to municipal and corporate limits is another key determinant, the government said. The government further said that infrastructure standards play a crucial role in fee determination. "Schools meeting only the minimum prescribed infrastructure are assessed differently from those with enhanced facilities such as additional laboratories, well-equipped libraries, better classroom infrastructure, and adequate sanitation and drinking water facilities," the government said. The government further added that institutions with advanced amenities, including air-conditioned or centrally heated classrooms, smart classrooms, and other modern facilities, are evaluated separately, particularly if they demonstrate consistently high academic performance. The government informed the House that the framework aims to strike a balance between ensuring quality education and protecting parents from arbitrary fee hikes.

DSEK conducts surprise visits, monitors proceedings virtually to ensure meaningful engagement Srinagar, Mar 27: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK)  Friday organised Mega Parent–Teacher Meetings (PTMs) across the Kashmir Division. The meetings were held as part of community engagement and trust in the education system. The PTMs witnessed participation of over 5,05,489 stakeholders, including parents, students and teachers across 6424 schools in a single day. To ensure effective implementation and quality engagement, the Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani conducted early morning surprise visits to several schools in district Srinagar. The director visited Government Girls Higher Secondary School Khanyar, where he interacted with parents and students. Parents expressed satisfaction with the academic arrangements and learning environment being provided to their children. Continuing his inspection, the Director also visited several middle-level schools, reaching some on foot. At Middle School Khalifapora, he assessed students’ learning levels and emphasized the need for making PTMs more meaningful, result-oriented and focused on student outcomes. Later, Wani monitored PTM proceedings across all districts through a dedicated video conferencing mechanism: In Kulgam, he interacted with parents at HS Nawpora Karpora while in Kupwara, DSEK, joined the PTM at HSS Kupwara and in Baramulla, Wani  participated virtually in GMS Khawjabagh. He also connected with GMS Dardpora in Ganderbal district and HSS Nagam of Budgam district  Further strengthening field-level outreach, Personnel Officer DSEK, Dr. Iqbal Hussain Mir participated in the PTM at HSS Kokernag where he held detailed interactions with parents and students, focusing on academic performance, institutional functioning and student development. During these engagements, parents appreciated the Department’s efforts while also sharing feedback and concerns. Naseer Ahmad Wani , gave a patient hearing and issued on-spot directions to Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) for immediate redressal of genuine issues. DSEK expressed satisfaction over the overwhelming response and said that such large-scale participation reflects growing trust, accountability and strengthened school-community linkage across the Kashmir division. He urged parents to continue active involvement in their children’s education to ensure holistic development and improved learning outcomes. The unprecedented participation of over five lakh stakeholders stands as a testament to the Department’s commitment towards inclusive, transparent and student-centric education governance.