Inclusivity, innovation leading educational transformation in J&K in line with NEP 2020: Economic Survey

Srinagar, March 6: The Economic Survey tabled by the Jammu and Kashmir government in the Legislative Assembly has revealed that the inclusivity, innovation and holistic development were leading educational transformation in J&K in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The survey states that the government aims to empower students with critical thinking, digital literacy, and ethical values to prepare them for higher education and future employment.

"This vision includes creating an equitable knowledge society and achieving SDG goals for education, fostering creativity, scientific temper, and lifelong learning," it reads.

The Survey further states that the government was focusing on quality education, safe learning environments, and global competitiveness.

The Economic Survey has also pointed out that the enrolment ratio in schools has increased from 93.15 to 104.02 at Primary level, 66.55 to 68.93 at upper primary level and 58.66 to 60.85 at Secondary level from 2019-20 to 2023-24.

"Drop-out rate has increased from 5.86 to 8.87 at Primary level but the rate has decreased from 5.14 to 4.23 at Upper Primary level and 18.48 to 9.07 at Secondary level from 2019-20 to 2023-24," the Survey reads.

As per the official figures, J&K has 24241 schools including 18,724 government and 5517 private (other management) schools with an enrolment of over 25.94 lakh students from Pre-Primary to class 12th as of 2023-24.

"The government envisions securing overall development of children through quality education in an equitable manner and has made commendable strides over the years," it reads.

The Survey states that the literacy rate has witnessed substantial growth from 11.03 percent in 1961 to 68.74 percent in 2011.

"The education sector in J&K has embraced the NEP-2020, leading to significant advancements and new initiatives," it reads.

The Survey has revealed that 22819 students of pre-primary have shifted from private to government schools in 2023-24.

"Introduction of vocational education in 804 schools has expanded to 1067 schools in 2023-24 which has benefited 1.25 lakh students," it reads.

It further states that during 2024-25, vocational education expanded to 1315 schools benefiting 1.41 lakh students.

As per the Economic Survey, Vidya Samiksha Kendra, a command-and-control Centre, has been established which is likely to transform the education system in J&K by providing a comprehensive platform for monitoring and managing educational activities through digital mode.

"Establishment of 3000 ICT and CAL laboratories and plans for additional 1512 ICT labs and 3000 smart classrooms are in process of establishment in 2024-25 to enhance experiential learning," it reads.