Srinagar, The education system in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir is facing a severe crisis, with more than half of the schools operating without essential facilities necessary for a conducive learning environment. This alarming situation highlights the challenges students and educators face in accessing quality education within the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, data from the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) indicates a stark deficiency in infrastructure across the territory’s schools. Approximately 10,000 educational institutions are without libraries, another 10,000 lack ramps for accessibility, and a similar number do not have playgrounds. This infrastructure shortfall severely limits the scope of academic and extracurricular activities available to students, hindering not only their educational development but also their physical well-being and inclusivity.

The absence of libraries in such a vast number of schools impedes the cultivation of a reading culture among students, a critical component of comprehensive education. Similarly, the lack of playgrounds, especially in a region with challenging terrain, deprives children of essential physical activities and recreational spaces. Furthermore, the absence of ramps in schools signifies a significant barrier for students with special needs, underlining the issues of accessibility and inclusivity within the education sector.

Local communities attribute this deepening crisis to the negligence of the occupation regime, accusing it of failing to address the fundamental needs of the education system. The situation calls for urgent attention and action to provide necessary facilities in schools, ensuring that all students have access to a supportive and inclusive learning environment.