Nikitha Kumari | 24th August 2025
In the quiet corners of rural Jammu, education has always been a story of resilience, dedication, and the will to overcome challenges. For decades, teachers in these remote villages have worked with limited resources but continued to guide their students toward a better tomorrow. Since the repeal of Article 370, the education landscape has begun to shift—new policies, changing infrastructure, and promises of opportunities. Yet, the realities on the ground are complex, layered with both progress and persistent struggles.
To understand this transformation, I spoke with multiple stakeholders—teachers, students, and parents—whose stories paint a more complete picture of rural education in Jammu today.
The Echoes of the Past: Teachers’ Early Struggles
“When I first started, it was a different world altogether,” recalled Ashok Kumar, a veteran teacher in Udhampur. “The building itself was rudimentary. Toilets and libraries were luxuries. Salaries were low, and making ends meet was difficult. But the children always eager to learn kept me going.”
For Smt. Asha Devi, who has taught in a government school in Jib for nearly two decades, the early years meant inventing teaching aids from scraps. “We had no science lab, no proper benches. Children used to sit on ground and I used old newspapers and cardboard to explain concepts. Today, things are better we have washrooms and midday meals but we still lack a functional library. Students deserve more than just basics.”
Both educators agreed that while policy changes have brought some improvement, the pace of transformation remains uneven.
A New Chapter: Facilities and the Digital Dream
Government schemes such as Samagra Shiksha and PM-SHRI have promised education for children in Jammu & Kashmir across the past two years. Classrooms with ICT labs, CAL centres, and even smart boards are now reported across the Union Territory.
But the reality on the ground differs. “They talk about smart classrooms, but how do we use them when electricity is irregular?” asked Ashok Kumar. “Internet is patchy, and teachers are rarely trained in using digital tools effectively.”
Meena Kumari, a Class 8 student from a village near Jib, confirmed this gap. “Our school got two computers last year, but most of the time, they do not work because there is no power. We end up going back to chalk and board.”
Her classmate, Rohit Sharma, added, “We hear of children in Jammu city learning computer and digital stuff. We want that too, but here, we are still struggling with basics.”
Evolving Minds: Syllabus and Holistic Education
Teachers agree that the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020) has reshaped classroom practices. Emphasis on mother tongue instruction in the early years has helped students understand concepts better. Vocational training linked to local industries like agriculture and handicrafts is slowly entering schools.
“Children respond positively when they see relevance,” explained Asha Devi. “If they learn about soil in class and then apply it in farming at home, education feels meaningful.”
The focus has also shifted toward emotional well-being. “After the pandemic, many children were anxious,” said Ashok Kumar. “We now organize programs on menstrual hygiene, women’s empowerment, and special needs. This holistic approach matters.”
Parents’ Perspective: The Trust Deficit
The decline in government school enrolment a concerning trend mentioned by Ashok Kumar, is best understood through the eyes of parents. Ramesh Singh, a farmer, recently enrolled his son in a private school, even though it meant a significant financial strain. “The government school has a nice building now, but the teachers are often busy with other work, and the classes are too big,” he explains. “The private school may cost a lot, but they promise more individual attention and better results.” For parents like Ramesh, the decision is a difficult one, driven by a desire to secure their child’s future, often based on a perception of quality rather than an objective reality.
In contrast, Lalita Devi, whose daughter still attends the local government school, holds a different view. “The teachers here are from our village, they know our children, and they truly care,” she says. “My daughter can get a scholarship for her college and the resources that are provided here now are good. I have faith that the quality will continue to improve.” Her perspective reveals that for some, the community bonds and the affordability of public education still outweigh the allure of private institutions.
Opening Doors: Scholarships and Opportunities
Teachers like Ashok Kumar and Asha Devi dedicate extra hours to help students apply for scholarships. “Many are first-generation learners,” Ashok explained. “Without financial aid, they cannot dream of higher education.”
Government schemes are there for the students but many students do not get benefit of those as application hurdles remain. “Forms are online, but many families here don’t have smartphones or internet,” said Ashok. “We have to step in.”
The Unseen Burdens and a Vision for Tomorrow
The teachers also highlighted the emotional toll of their profession. Unsafe working conditions, lack of support staff, and pressure to meet bureaucratic requirements often stretch them thin.
Yet, despite personal hardships, their hope remains alive. “Every child deserves a chance,” Ashok Kumar said firmly. “The changes are slow, sometimes frustrating, but they are happening. My dream is for every student whether in a remote hamlet or in Jammu city to have equal access to quality education.”
Conclusion: A Shared Journey Forward
The story of education in rural Jammu is therefore one of a quiet but powerful struggle. It is a testament to the dedication of teachers and the ambition of students, but it is also a reminder that real transformation is a slow, methodical process that must be rooted in the needs and realities of the people it aims to serve. It is not just about building better schools, but about rebuilding trust, one student, one parent, and one village at a time.
True transformation will only come when infrastructure meets intent, when parents regain trust in government schools, and when every child regardless of geography can thrive in classrooms that prepare them not just for exams, but for life itself.
Nikitha Kumari is a storyteller and education enthusiast who writes about grassroots change in India. Passionate about rural development, she captures voices from the ground to highlight resilience, challenges, and hope in transforming communities.
