By Ummar Jamal
Despite government schools boasting well-equipped facilities and highly qualified teachers, private schools continue to be the preferred choice for students in J&K. Government teachers, despite being well-trained and receiving competitive salaries, struggle to attract students. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)-2022, released in New Delhi by Pratham Education Foundation Chairman, shed light on a concerning trend in Jammu and Kashmir’s education landscape. The report revealed that a substantial 43.6% of children in the region are enrolled in private schools, significantly higher than the national average. Meanwhile, government school enrollment has fallen to 55.5%, a stark contrast to the 72.9% national figure.
In the Valley, there are approximately 10,780 government schools. Despite the presence of qualified teachers and substantial salaries, government schools are unfortunately perceived as institutions primarily catering to the underprivileged. The challenge for government school teachers lies in convincing parents, including themselves, that government schools are capable of providing quality education. Parents are willingly paying hefty monthly fees to private schools, where teachers earn relatively modest salaries ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. In contrast, government schools, which offer education without charging any fees, struggle to gain the trust of parents, even when their teachers earn more substantial monthly salaries ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000.
If truth be told, government school teachers themselves often lack confidence in the institutions where they work. Rather than entrusting their children’s education to the very schools they teach in, they opt for private alternatives. This inclination suggests a prevailing mindset among educators that they should earn from government schools but invest in private education for their own children. This perception raises concerns about how others can be expected to trust and invest in these schools when even the educators choose private alternatives.
When it comes to education, the focus has often been on the perceived advantages of private schools – better infrastructure, quality teaching, and a more conducive learning environment. However, amidst this narrative, the untapped potential of government schools often goes unnoticed. Contrary to popular belief, in many cases, the infrastructure in government schools is on par with or even surpasses that of private schools. Quality of teachers in government schools is apodictically better than private schools. Therefore, it is not a lack of resources or dedicated teachers that plagues these institutions, but rather the persistent mindset and stigma and improper utilization of available resources.
The need of the hour is a paradigm shift – a collective effort to change the narrative surrounding government schools. It is crucial for the government to initiate a positive campaign promoting government schools as the primary choice for children. This campaign should not merely focus on the aspect of free education but highlight the myriad of facilities and opportunities these schools offer. Rather than limiting policies to the provision of free education, the government should aim at elevating standards across the board. This involves implementing measures that ensure a high-quality learning experience, making government schools not just a viable but a preferable choice for students.
To bridge this gap, government teachers also have a role. They should take the lead by enrolling their own children in the schools where they teach. This move could serve as a powerful example, encouraging others to trust and have faith in government schools. It is a call for government teachers to believe in the sector they are a part of and demonstrate this belief by making a personal investment in the education it provides.
In government schools, where a majority of students hail from underprivileged backgrounds, it is essential for educators to rise above the challenges and deliver quality education. Unfortunately, a portion of teachers succumbs to complacency, influenced by the perception that parents are less likely to scrutinize their children’s academic progress.
The scenario is complex – with parents grappling with various socio-economic challenges, educational priorities might not always be at the forefront of their concerns. This lack of vigilant parental involvement inadvertently creates an environment where some teachers become lax in their commitment to imparting education competently.
Policymakers need to implement measures that foster stronger connections between schools and parents. This could include regular parent-teacher meetings, awareness campaigns, and initiatives to engage parents in their child’s educational journey. By creating a culture of accountability, where teachers are held to high standards and parents actively participate in their child’s education, the cycle of apathy can be broken.
Additionally, introducing performance-based incentives for teachers can serve as a catalyst for renewed dedication. Recognizing and rewarding educators for their efforts in creating a positive impact on students’ lives can inspire a sense of responsibility and commitment.
The key to success lies in a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the rhetoric of free education. It involves fostering a positive mindset, eradicating stigma, and actively promoting the strengths of government schools. The time is ripe for the government to spearhead this transformation and unlock the true potential of these institutions, paving the way for a brighter future for the next generation.
The conundrum of private versus government school enrollment in Jammu and Kashmir highlights a pressing need for a shift in perception. Government teachers must lead by example, trusting in the sector they serve and enrolling their children in government schools. Only through such personal investment can faith be restored in government education, paving the way for a more equitable and robust educational system in the region.
Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
- The author is a Kashmir based columnist. He tweets at ummar_jamal and can be reached at [email protected]
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