Students deserve better

With the schools set to reopen today, the reality confronting thousands of students is grim and deeply concerning. Whether in government institutions or many private schools, the learning environment remains severely lacking in even the most basic facilities. The deteriorating state of education infrastructure across the region is a wake-up call for authorities and a betrayal of students’ right to a safe, dignified and supportive educational environment. Despite promises and policies, ground reports from various districts in Kashmir reveal that numerous schools are functioning without clean drinking water, usable toilets, proper seating arrangements, or basic hygiene. Many school buildings are crumbling, with cracked walls, leaking roofs, broken windows, and damaged furniture. In some remote areas, classrooms are overcrowded, poorly ventilated and without electricity or fans, posing serious health risks, especially as the heat lingers into July. Government schools, in particular, paint a distressing picture. Students are forced to sit on the floor, share textbooks, and bear the brunt of official apathy. Meanwhile, several private schools, despite charging hefty fees, are not much better. Many lack standard safety measures, proper sanitation or regular inspections and continue to function unchecked. The situation is not just about broken infrastructure, but about broken trust. Education is meant to be a path to progress, yet our children are expected to study in environments that are unsafe, uncomfortable and unfit for learning. This neglect not only hampers academic growth but also undermines the psychological and emotional well-being of students. It is high time for the government of Jammu and Kashmir to take urgent, visible action. Promises must translate into practical improvements, school buildings must be repaired, classrooms equipped and safety protocols enforced. Regular audits, increased funding, and accountability mechanisms should be implemented across both public and private educational institutions.