Between Private and Public Schools in J&K

A prominent private school in Srinagar hosted a two-day technology workshop TechKnow 2025 during the last week. What made it remarkable was that the entire event was organized and led by the students of the host school. Over 350 students from 35 schools attended, mostly from private schools. Yet only two government schools from remote areas were able to participate.

The event buzzed with ideas, projects and energy. Students shared innovations, collaborated and explored technology in ways textbooks rarely allow. It was a living example of what happens when curiosity is nurtured and young minds are given freedom to lead.

Compare this with a news story in Daily Kashmir Times just by the end of the same week. It reports that thousands of government schools in Jammu and Kashmir have empty classrooms. As per report, official figures show 119 schools with zero enrollment and 16,179 schools with fewer than 50 students. And around 848 schools recorded no new admissions this year. Besides, in recent years, authorities have shut down or merged nearly 4,400 schools, and the number of primary schools has dropped from 12,977 to 8,966, a reduction of over 30 percent.

This is a staggering reality. With a fat salaried human resource appointed in govt schools in comparison to private schools where teachers are less paid despite being overworked, the emptiness in public schools is quite ridiculous and thought provoking.

Yet, the talent exists. Like a few good teachers, government schools are full of potential, especially in remote areas where children have few alternatives. These students are bright, curious and eager to learn. What they lack is resources, exposure and opportunities. Many talented children from far-off villages never get the chance to showcase their abilities.

The contrast is glaring. While students in private schools participate in workshops and competitions, public school children often go through a routine that stifles creativity. They memorize, pass exams and rarely step outside their classrooms. The gap is not about ability—it is about opportunity.

So, what can be done to fix this? Bold policy choices can make government schools better. As ownership stimulates confidence, allow students to receive training in organizing festivals, coding workshops and science fairs. Teachers also require exposure to new techniques, frequent training and a strong work ethic. With parents, alumni and locals involved, schools should look like an extension of the community. Curiosity can be enthused by even basic equipment like tablets, projectors, and coding kits.

Support from the community can vary greatly. Small inter-school scholarships can help students set goals and recognize their talents. Government schoolchildren can occasionally get rare exposure to private schools by sharing their labs, workshops or classes. Through science clubs, art programs, boot camps and mentoring sessions, alumni, mentors and NGOs can contribute value. Children can feel seen and proud when they participate in competitions, receive awards and receive recognition. Self-belief can change futures, and pride can kindle self-belief.

Rather than remaining isolated, government schools can become hubs of creativity and innovation, not relics of rote learning. Imagine a school in a far-off village where students conduct science experiments, build robots or plan a tech fest. Imagine teachers guiding their pupils to compete at the state or national level. It is feasible. However, it needs community support, investment and vision.

TechKnow 2025 is evidence of what can be accomplished by students when they are given confidence and authority. Public school children have the same curiosity, talent and drive. They just need platforms, guidance and encouragement.

J&K Government should not treat education as a matter of literacy rates. It should list school education as its top agenda. It should consider it as mission of building engagement, inclusion and opportunity. Empty classrooms should become spaces of discovery and creativity. With student-led activities, teacher mentorship, technological support and NGO partnerships, public schools can reclaim their role as pillars of talent and innovation.

The potential is already there. The spark exists in every child sitting quietly in a rural classroom. All it needs is lighting up with opportunity. And once that spark ignites, who knows? The next TechKnow might happen in a government school in a far-flung village, run entirely by its students.