Over 10000 schools in J&K lack playgrounds, 9000 without boundary walls: J-K Govt

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday disclosed that a large number of schools across the Union territory face serious infrastructure and enrolment challenges , affecting both safety and quality of education. According to official data for 2025‑26, out of 18,724 schools , 2,698 lack boys’ toilets , 57 have no girls’ toilets , and 78 schools do not have access to safe drinking water . Additionally, 9,078 schools are without boundary walls and a troubling 10,896 schools lack playgrounds, raising concerns about students’ physical activity, security, and recreational opportunities.

The government said construction of 4,481 toilets is underway , including 1,441 for boys, 2,575 for girls, and 465 for children with special needs (CWSN) , being executed through the Public Works Department and the Rural Development Department. Authorities also highlighted that pupil-teacher ratios are being maintained within prescribed norms , and Cluster Resource Coordinators are deployed as subject-specific teachers in Science, Mathematics, and English to bridge gaps in key subjects.

The latest data also reveals that 3,192 government schools have fewer than 10 students enrolled , with 1,494 in Jammu division and 1,698 in Kashmir division. Over 1,700 low-enrolment schools have been closed or merged since 2019 as part of rationalisation measures. Authorities noted substantial spending on salaries for schools with very low student numbers, highlighting concerns about resource utilisation.

Analysts and community representatives say these figures reflect deeper challenges, including lack of electricity, functional classrooms, libraries, and laboratories , which drive families toward private schools. Critics warn that without tangible improvements in infrastructure and holistic learning opportunities , the Union territory risks widening educational inequalities and declining public confidence in government schools.