3,997 schools merged or clubbed in 2022-23: J&K Govt

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Government has informed the Legislative Assembly that 3,997 schools were merged or clubbed during 2022-23.

In reply to a question raised by MLA Vijay Kumar, the government said, “3997 schools were merged and clubbed during 2022-23,” according to the news agency KNO.

The government, however, informed the House that no primary school had been merged or clubbed during the last three years in Jammu and Kashmir.

Asked whether the merger or clubbing of schools had deprived young children of free and compulsory education in government schools, the government said no child had been deprived of such education because of the closure of any school.

The House was also informed about provisions under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

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The government said private schools are legally required to reserve 25 per cent of entry-level seats for children belonging to weaker sections and economically weaker sections of society, although, according to the reply, the provision has not been fully implemented.

In government schools, education is free and compulsory for children aged six to 14 years, the government said. It added that students are provided facilities including free textbooks, uniforms and mid-day meals, while poor students can also receive other support through the Red Cross Fund.

On the possibility of opening or reopening schools that had been merged or clubbed, the government said such decisions are considered on the basis of prescribed population norms, enrolment, distance criteria, availability of infrastructure and manpower, and local requirements.

“Any such proposal, wherever warranted, shall be examined and processed in accordance with the prescribed norms and availability of resources,” the government said.