SRINAGAR: To ensure adequate educational opportunities for the children belonging to the migratory nomadic communities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha is currently operating 1,826 seasonal centers across the highland pastures of Jammu and Kashmir. These centers cater to 31,658 children from nomadic families who are engaged in their studies during the migration season.
However, the 1905 Seasonal Educational Volunteers are working in these seasonal schools across Jammu and Kashmir and are providing proper education to the nomadic children across highland pastures.
The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has a huge chunk of migratory population that moves from one division to another division during the onset of the summer season along with their school-going children to the highest mountain peaks for a maximum period of six months, which usually begins from May to October every year.
Recognizing the diverse topography of Jammu and Kashmir and the critical need for educational facilities, the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha is actively supporting the education of children from these nomadic or migratory groups. This is achieved by empowering districts to set up seasonal centers annually in areas where these communities reside during their migration, along with their families and livestock.
These centers are designed to offer fundamental educational services to children aged 6 to 14 years during the migration period, which can extend for a maximum of six months. This initiative includes children who are either enrolled in schools at their original locations or those who are not attending school at all.
As per the official figures of the Samgra Shikha Jammu and Kashmir, the Samgra Shikha Jammu and Kashmir is presently running 1,826 seasonal schools in the 15 districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
In Kashmir division, the Anantnag district has 187 seasonal schools in operation, serving 2,579 students. The Ganderbal district has 88 active centers with an enrollment of 1,019 students, while Budgam district hosts 66 centers, accommodating 1,432 students. Kulgam district has 98 operational centers, with 3,236 students enrolled.
In addition, Shopian district has 82 centers functioning, with 1,445 students enrolled; Baramulla district has 69 seasonal schools, serving 1,039 students; Pulwama district has 59 centers, with 636 students enrolled; Bandipora district has 51 operational centers, accommodating 581 students; and Kupwara district has 43 seasonal schools, with 889 students enrolled.
In Jammu division, Reasi district is notable for having 313 seasonal centers currently in operation, with an enrollment of 5,094 students. Doda district has 160 seasonal schools functioning, serving 2,217 students, while Poonch district has 272 seasonal schools, accommodating 5,476 students. Kishtwar district has 117 operational centers, with 1,871 students enrolled.
Furthermore, Rajouri district has 145 seasonal schools under operation, serving 2,642 students, and Ramban district has 76 seasonal centers functioning, with 1,502 students enrolled in these schools.
An official from the School Education Department informed Rising Kashmir that to ensure adequate educational resources for nomadic children during their migration, Samagra Shiksha Jammu and Kashmir is currently operating 1,826 seasonal centers. These centers accommodate 31,658 nomadic children across 15 districts in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Ministry of Education, Government of India, allocates funds that cover various expenses, including teaching learning equipment (TLE), teaching learning materials (TLM), honorariums for seasonal educational volunteers, tent costs, and contingency funds,” an official said.
He further explained that each seasonal center operates for a maximum of six months in the high mountain pastures. Under the Samagra Shiksha initiative, seasonal educational volunteers (EVs) are appointed for a duration of up to six months.
“Upon returning from the Dhoks (Migration Centers), children from the migratory nomadic communities go back to their homes, where they are enrolled in local schools and can access all benefits provided under the scheme,” the official added.
Facilities provided to seasonal centers include:
Teaching Learning Equipment to furnish the seasonal centers with essential items such as chairs, mats, easels, whiteboards, and markers.
Teaching Learning Materials to supply basic tools like pens, pencils, and charts to enhance the enjoyment of the teaching and learning process
Additionally, waterproof tents and portable solar lights are being supplied to the seasonal centers.
