Kupwara, Baramulla Among Educationally Backward Districts Across India

Srinagar: The Ministry of Education has confirmed that Kupwara and Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir have been identified as educationally backward districts, in line with the government’s broader efforts to address educational disparities.

These districts, which are part of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, are among the 112 districts nationwide listed under the Aspirational Districts Programme by NITI Aayog, aimed at improving social and educational outcomes. The information came in response to a question in Rajya Sabha.

The identification of these districts comes under the government’s broader strategy to improve access to education in areas where social and economic challenges are most pronounced. The educational focus in these regions has become critical, particularly for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) communities, which are disproportionately affected by educational deprivation.

As part of the efforts to uplift these districts, the Ministry of Education has rolled out several schemes under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. The Samagra Shiksha programme aims to ensure universal access to quality education from pre-primary to Class XII. This includes the provision of infrastructure, teaching materials, and support services for students, particularly those from disadvantaged groups such as SCs, STs, and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

Among the key initiatives is the establishment of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), residential schools for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, which are being set up in educationally backward blocks, including in Jammu and Kashmir. The KGBVs are designed to provide a safe, supportive learning environment, especially for girls from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities.

The government also supports the establishment of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalayas (NSCBAVs), which aim to cater to the needs of children from urban deprived and remote areas. These residential schools target children in difficult-to-reach regions, such as hilly terrains and areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), ensuring that educational access is available even in the most isolated parts of the country.

Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PMJANMAN) has been launched to improve basic facilities such as housing, sanitation, and education for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in these districts. In line with this, a significant investment has been made in the construction of hostels, with Rs. 476.16 crore allocated for 194 hostels nationwide, including 30 in Odisha, to provide accommodation for ST/SC students.

In terms of enrolment, the Ministry highlighted that significant progress has been made over the past few years. Enrolment numbers for SC and ST students have seen an increase, reflecting the government’s focus on improving educational accessibility in these regions. For instance, enrolment in SC students increased from 4.39 crore in 2018-19 to 4.97 crore in 2021-22, while enrolment for ST students grew from 2.33 crore to 2.60 crore during the same period.