Enrol every child

The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has launched the Divisional-Level Enrolment Drive 2025, a timely and commendable initiative aimed at bringing every out-of-school child into the formal education system. In a region where education remains both a pathway to empowerment and a shield against socio-economic vulnerability, this drive reaffirms the government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable learning. Kashmir’s education landscape has faced multiple challenges over the years, from disruptions due to weather and unrest to the lingering impacts of the pandemic. Despite significant progress in literacy and infrastructure, pockets of low enrolment, particularly in remote and marginalized communities, continue to persist. The new enrolment drive offers a chance to bridge these gaps by combining community participation, administrative coordination, and on-ground outreach. However, ensuring success requires more than just numbers. The focus must also be on retention and quality. Enrolling a child is the first step; keeping that child motivated and supported through quality teaching, adequate facilities and a nurturing environment is the true measure of progress. DSEK’s efforts must therefore be complemented by consistent monitoring, teacher motivation and parental engagement. Equally vital is the role of civil society and local leaders in spreading awareness about the transformative power of education. When communities take ownership, the campaign becomes a movement. The Divisional-Level Enrolment Drive 2025 is not merely an administrative exercise but a social mission to ensure that no child in Kashmir is left behind. If implemented with sincerity and sustained effort, this initiative can strengthen the foundation of an educated, empowered and hopeful generation ready to shape the region’s future.