SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s education sector would be witnessing a major transformation with a budget allocation of Rs 1522 crore for 2023-24 with a focus on the full implementation of the National Education Policy, digital transformation, and infrastructure creation.
The budget also provides scope for strengthening digital infrastructure with the establishment of 188 Virtual Reality Labs in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (one lab in each zone) to inculcate scientific temper among students. Besides, 40 robotic labs would be established (Two Labs in each district) to improve the school’s digital equity, literacy, and economic development besides promoting new teaching methodologies. About 500 schools will be provided with ICT labs and 100 Vocational Labs in the schools of Union Territory.
“Also, 1000 smart classrooms with LCD and high-speed internet connectivity will be established in High and Higher Secondary Schools for imparting quality education to students,” the budget document reads.
To keep students fit, Yoga Training will be introduced for all the students as part of co-curricular activities.
The Budget also proposes to create sports infrastructure including changing rooms for players in 100 High and Higher Secondary Schools.
To strengthen the School education sector in J&K, 500 additional classrooms would be provided in high and higher secondary schools benefitting more than 20,000 students. Besides, free textbooks and uniforms would be provided to all the students of elementary classes belonging to weaker sections.
As an important step towards ensuring that girls can attend school without any barriers, drinking water facilities and gender-based toilet facilities are to be made available in all Schools.
The budget has also proposed the establishment of 2000 Kindergartens during 2023-24 for providing quality pre-primary education. Besides, 10 Residential Schools would be established during 2023-24 with preference to tribal students and students from weaker sections for accommodating in these residential schools on a merit basis for providing them quality education.
The J&K government, which has already taken a lead in the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, is likely to get a boost with the new budget allocation which has a specific focus on “full implementation” of NEP-2020.
The Budget also proposes to fully implement Samarth’s “ERP eGov Suite” in 2023-24 besides making Higher Education Council functional during 2023-24. Also, NAAC accreditation of 32 colleges would be completed in 2023-24.
