Without textbooks, teachers script a lesson in dedication
Srinagar, Nov 6: As the new academic session begins in schools across Kashmir, government school teachers have taken the lead to ensure a smooth start despite facing an acute shortage of textbooks, delayed maintenance grants, and poor infrastructure.
The new session in government schools commenced on November 1, but most institutions are still awaiting the fresh supply of textbooks from the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE). Adding to the challenge, no maintenance grants have been released under the Samagra Shiksha scheme this year, leaving schools unable to carry out even basic repairs.
Under the existing norms, schools with up to 30 students receive Rs 10,000 annually as a maintenance grant, those with 31–100 students get Rs 25,000, 101–250 students get Rs 50,000, 251–1,000 students receive Rs 75,000, and schools with enrolment above 1,000 students are entitled to Rs 1 lakh per year.
However, teachers said no such grants were released this year. “Schools have not received a single rupee of maintenance money under Samagra Shiksha. We could not even carry out basic repairs or whitewashing before the new session,” said a teacher from Srinagar.
Amid these constraints, teachers have stepped up to keep the learning process going. In many zones, teachers are collecting used textbooks from senior students and distributing them among juniors to avoid academic disruption.
“We are reusing books from higher classes to keep students engaged until fresh supplies arrive. Around 70 percent of the books are damaged, but we are making the best use of what’s available,” said a teacher from Baramulla.
Teachers are also taking on an outreach role, visiting nearby villages to persuade parents to enrol their children in government schools. In Baramulla’s Binner High School, teachers have been seen going door-to-door, highlighting the benefits of government schooling, including midday meals, free uniforms, and stationery.
“You don’t have to pack lunch if you send your child to a government school — we provide it here,” said Aasima Jaan, a teacher from Binner, while encouraging parents to enrol their children. “We even give chocolates to the little ones to make them feel welcome,” she added with a smile, interacting warmly with neighbourhood families.
Aasima and her colleagues said their goal is not only to increase enrolment but also to restore trust in public education. “We are visiting homes to convince parents that education is the light that transforms lives. Behind every door lies a dream waiting to unfold,” she said.
Despite the enthusiasm and commitment of teachers, the situation highlights the deeper issues confronting the school system — particularly the delays in textbook distribution and the lack of funds for infrastructure upkeep.
Teachers said the spirit on the ground remains high, but administrative support is crucial to sustain the momentum. “We are doing everything possible to keep students motivated and classrooms active, but without proper facilities and teaching material, it becomes difficult,” said another teacher from Kupwara.
Officials, however, assured that the situation will improve soon.
Secretary JKBOSE told Greater Kashmir that the Board has already received 50 percent of the textbook supply for free distribution and expects the remaining consignment shortly.
“In the coming days, we will receive the pending 50 percent of the free supply and ensure that textbooks reach all schools by November 20, 2025,” the Secretary said.
