Much-hyped K-12 integrated schools yet to see light of day

Srinagar, Oct 18: Seven months after the announcement, the ambitious initiative to upgrade government schools as K-12 integrated institutions in Jammu and Kashmir has yet to materialise.

The scheme, unveiled by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in his maiden budget speech after the formation of the NC government, aims to transform the education landscape across the Union Territory.

Under the initiative, 40 government higher secondary schools—one boys’ and one girls’ school per district—will be upgraded into integrated K-12 institutions. Nearby primary and middle schools will be rationalised to ensure seamless education from primary to higher secondary under a single administration.

In his budget speech, CM Abdullah said that this reform, aligned with the National Education Policy, will enhance teacher specialisation, optimise resource utilisation, improve infrastructure, significantly reduce dropout rates, and strengthen school governance.

The government has allocated Rs 180 crore for the project, to be piloted over two years with funding from the State Education Budget, the PM SHRI Schools Scheme, and potential CSR and PPP partnerships. Each school is expected to receive upgraded classrooms, smart learning facilities, advanced laboratories, vocational training labs, as well as improved sports and sanitation infrastructure.

However, no school has yet been upgraded under the K-12 initiative. A structured implementation plan proposed starting with 15 pilot schools in the first year, followed by a phased expansion to ensure efficient execution and measurable impact. An amount of Rs 50 crore was earmarked in the budget for the first phase.

Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Education Minister Sakina Itoo said the project has been approved and schools have been identified.

She said the project will be executed under Samagra Shiksha. “The schools have been identified, the project approved, and now work has to be executed,” she said.

The minister added that the government has already restored the November session in schools, fulfilling one of its immediate commitments after assuming office. She also pointed out that in the past five years, funds released under Samagra Shiksha remained largely unutilised, causing delays in project completion.

Itoo further said the government is working to provide permanent buildings for schools currently operating from rented accommodations. “Projections for these schools have been done, and funds are already approved,” she added.

The K-12 integrated school initiative is seen as a critical step toward modernising the UT’s education system, though its implementation remains eagerly awaited by educators and parents alike.