Srinagar, Mar 17: As many as 1,396 government schools have been merged across three north Kashmir districts under the ongoing rationalisation policy, reflecting a major restructuring of the school network in north Kashmir.
As per official data, Baramulla accounts for the highest number of merged schools at 638, followed by Kupwara with 469 and Bandipora with 289.
Officials said the exercise was carried out to streamline resources and improve efficiency within the education system. The merger process considered factors such as proximity of schools, low or zero enrolment, lack of infrastructure, and institutions operating without their own buildings or from rented accommodations.
The aim, according to officials, is to consolidate resources and ensure better deployment of teaching staff in schools with higher enrolment.
However, despite the large-scale mergers, infrastructure challenges continue to persist in North Kashmir.
Residents across Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora said that dozens of government schools are still functioning from rented accommodations. In many cases, these schools operate from small private buildings that lack adequate space and basic facilities.
Parents have raised concerns over the absence of proper classrooms, playgrounds and sanitation facilities, which they say affects the overall learning environment for students.
The issue is more pronounced in remote and rural areas where construction of permanent school buildings has been slow.
Locals said that while the merger of schools may help in better utilisation of staff, the lack of proper infrastructure remains a serious concern that needs immediate attention.
They have urged authorities to prioritise the construction of school buildings so that students can access quality education in better conditions.
Observers believe that addressing infrastructure gaps alongside rationalisation is crucial to strengthening the education system in North Kashmir and ensuring that the benefits of policy changes reach students on the ground.
