Deliver better outcomes

The allocation of Rs 40,844.38 lakh to Jammu and Kashmir under Samagra Shiksha for elementary education over the last three financial years and the current year represents a substantial public investment in the foundation of the region’s education system. The challenge now is to ensure that this money translates into better classrooms, stronger teaching and improved learning outcomes. The year-wise figures show a decline in J&K’s allocation, from Rs 12,345.51 lakh in 2023-24 to Rs 6,335.33 lakh in 2026-27. While annual allocations are determined by approved plans, requirements and expenditure patterns, the decline warrants closer scrutiny. Funding must remain aligned with the actual needs of schools, particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas. Samagra Shiksha covers much more than infrastructure. Its success depends on the quality of teachers, availability of learning material, digital access, inclusive education and the ability of schools to provide children with a meaningful learning environment. Building classrooms without strengthening teaching capacity will not solve the deeper challenges facing elementary education. The government’s PRABANDH system and its monitoring mechanisms can improve accountability by tracking physical and financial progress. But dashboards and expenditure reports should ultimately be judged against outcomes: Are children learning better? Are dropout rates falling? Are schools in rural and mountainous areas receiving adequate support? The issue of slow expenditure is equally important. If funds remain unspent because of administrative delays, weak planning or procedural bottlenecks, the intended beneficiaries are children whose educational years cannot be recovered. Jammu and Kashmir also needs to prioritise schools serving difficult terrain and vulnerable communities, where infrastructure and teacher availability can be particularly challenging. Every rupee should be directed towards reducing these disparities. The latest allocation should therefore be viewed not merely as a financial statistic but as a responsibility. Public education funding must produce measurable improvements in access, quality and learning. The ultimate success of Samagra Shiksha will not be determined by how much is allocated, but by how effectively it changes the educational prospects of J&K’s children.