‘Only 30% Govt, Pvt Schools of JK have internet connection available for students, staff’

Srinagar, Feb 09 (KNO): In Jammu and Kashmir only 30 percent of overall government and recognized private schools have internet connection available for the students and staff members—thus raising a question on communicating and teaching students virtually.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the current official reveal that only ‘5115’ government-run-schools have internet like facilities available for the students and the staff members that include 152 girl schools, 4895 co-educational institutes and 68 boys schools.

It also reveals that only one government aided school has an internet connection available.

The official figures further state that only 34 Kendriya Vidyalaya central schools were having the internet like facilities available for the students and staff.

According to the official figures, a total of 36 schools run by the Wakf Board were having internet facilities available.

About the recognized private schools of Jammu and Kashmir, the official figures reveal that only 3335 educational institutes were having internet facilities available that includes 3312 co-educational private, 20 girls and 13 boys’ schools.

Pertinently, in August 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir government had initiated providing of smart classes in more than 23,000 public schools with educationally backwards blocks on priority.

The government had said that it took the initiative of providing a computer lab with smart class facilities in all the 23,283 schools of the Union Territory (UT).”

It also states that the government was keen to take up the digital initiates on priority for the schools falling in educationally backwards blocks and tribal areas.

The official figures reveal that at least 1420 were set up at elementary level and over 1500 ICT labs at secondary and senior secondary level.

“Till Aug-2023, 1420 CAL centers have been established at Upper Primary School level and 1588 ICT labs at Secondary and Higher Secondary Level and are functional till date (May-2023),” it reads.

Principal Secretary, School Education Department was not available for his comments—(KNO)