Srinagar, Feb 04: Jayant Chaudhary, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, informed Lok Sabha that for the academic year 2023-24, there are 1,050,349 girls enrolled in schools in Jammu and Kashmir.
The enrollment comprises 508,287 girls in primary education, 270,040 in upper primary, 162,820 in secondary, and 115,202 in higher secondary levels.
He said the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has made significant strides in enhancing female enrollment through various initiatives under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. “These programs aim to provide free uniforms, textbooks, self-defense training, scholarships, and improved infrastructure, including the construction of separate toilets for girls.”
Moreover, the establishment of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) provides residential facilities for girls from underprivileged backgrounds.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain in retaining girls in secondary and higher secondary education, with retention rates falling to 57.1% in secondary education and 34.7% in higher secondary education.
The government’s broader educational reforms in Jammu and Kashmir prioritize efforts to enhance retention and create gender-sensitive schooling environments.
On February 3,during a session in the Lok Sabha, Minister Jayant Chaudhary addressed questions posed by Members of Parliament C N Annadurai, Selvam G, and Navaskani K regarding initiatives aimed at increasing the enrollment of girls in schools.
