In JK, 119 schools function with ‘zero student enrolment’

238 teachers posted in schools with zero enrolment, ‘Over 4400 schools have been already closed’

Srinagar, Jan 18 (KNO): Despite closing of hundreds of public schools owing to low or zero student enrolment, at least 119 government-run-schools are still functioning with zero student enrolment—thus raising a question on functioning of the department.

The updated official figures reveal that in Jammu and Kashmir 119 schools were functioning in the region with no student enrolled in the institution.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), at least 238 teachers were posted or deployed in the schools wherein no student was enrolled.

The official data further states that Jammu and Kashmir was facing the Pupil Teacher Ratio of 1:16 against the prescribed norms of 1:30.

It also states that on an average at least seven teachers were posted or deployed in schools of Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite repeated attempts, Project Director Jammu and Kashmir Samagra Shiksha was not available to comment on the issue.

In 2024, KNO first broke the news of closure of over 4400 government run schools owing to ‘zero or extremely low’ enrollment of students.

In July-2024, the news agency reported that there were a total of 23,117 government run schools in Jammu and Kashmir out of which 4394 have been deleted from the UDISE data.

An official had said that the count of overall public schools in Jammu and Kashmir reduced because “There were some government schools that were having zero or extremely low students enrollment. Those schools were merged with the nearby public schools.”

The official figures previously had revealed that the primary schools category of government schools was hit badly wherein the count of overall public schools in Jammu and Kashmir reduced by nearly 30 percent.

According to the official figures a total of 12,977 government primary schools were functioning in Jammu and Kashmir. However, after the merger, only 8966 primary schools are functional.

Similarly, 392 government middle schools, three high schools and one higher secondary were deleted from the UDISE Plus list.

Stating the statistics of private and other schools, the official figures had previously revealed that there were a total of 5688 such educational institutes out of which only 5555 schools were functional as of now.

Overall, Jammu and Kashmir used to have 28,805 government and private schools. However, as per the official figures, the count had reduced to 24,279 schools.

Previously, the School Education Department had said that it had identified more than 1200 such government schools that were having low enrollment of students.

It had said that such schools would likely be merged in accordance to the catchment and feasibility of the students.

In April-2022, School Education Department had said that it was all set to merge 720 government-run-schools of Jammu and Kashmir having an inadequate student enrollment—(KNO)

Transfers and Postings in J&K Transport Department

The Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department issued Government Order No. 05-JK(TR) of 2025, dated January 18, 2025, announcing immediate transfers and postings of ARTOs and I/c ARTOs across various locations. Key changes include:

1. Sheetal Kumar Sharma, JKAS – Transferred from ARTO Ramban to ARTO Doda.

2. Abrar Ahmed Kripak, JKAS – From ARTO Kulgam to ARTO Anantnag, with an additional charge of ARTO Shopian.

3. Showkat Ahmad Bhat, JKAS – Moved from ARTO Anantnag to ARTO Kulgam.

4. Bashrat Mahmood, JKAS – Shifted from ARTO Pulwama to ARTO Poonch.

5. Mehnaz Chisti, JKAS – Transferred from ARTO Budgam to ARTO Pulwama.

6. Tasleem Javaid, JKAS – Appointed as ARTO Kishtwar from prior adjustment.

7. Mohammad Saleem – Assigned to RTO Jammu for further duties from I/c ARTO Kishtwar.

8. Pawan Kumar Sharma – Shifted to I/c ARTO Flying Squad-II (Enforcement Wing), National Highway.

9. Bipin Singh Charak – Now I/c ARTO Flying Squad-I (Enforcement Wing), Jammu.

10. Arif Parvaiz Shah – Transferred from I/c ARTO Shopian to I/c ARTO Budgam.

11. Rajesh Gupta – Moved from I/c ARTO Doda to I/c ARTO Rajouri.

12. Kuldeep Singh – Transferred to I/c ARTO Ramban from I/c ARTO (BoI) Passenger, Jammu.

13. Tara Mani, L/A ARTO – Shifted to I/c ARTO (BoI) Passenger, Jammu from I/c ARTO Poonch.

All officers are directed to assume their new roles with immediate effect. The order, signed by Secretary to the Government (Transport Department), ensures a smooth administrative transition.

Fare for E-Rickshaws Fixed at Rs. 10 Per Kilometer; Meter for Petrol Auto mandatory: Transport Commissioner

Srinagar, Jan 18 (JKNS): Transport Commissioner Jammu and Kashmir, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, announced that the fare for e-rickshaws has been fixed at Rs. 10 per person per kilometer.

Speaking to the media as per news agency JKNS Mahajan clarified that e-rickshaws are restricted to designated routes and cannot operate beyond six kilometers. “Any violations will be dealt with strict legal action,” he said.

Mahajan emphasized the need for petrol autos to have functioning meters installed. “If any auto is found running without a meter, strict action will be taken as per the law. Rates are already fixed by the RTO or Motor Vehicles Department,” he added.

Urging passengers to play an active role in ensuring compliance, Mahajan said, “Passengers have a responsibility to report non-compliance, and violators will be penalized. Complaints can be lodged with the RTO.”

Regarding the issue of pending licenses, Mahajan revealed that nearly two lakh licenses are delayed due to printing issues. “The tendering process is in its final stage, and we are hopeful to clear the backlog by the end of this month. Licenses will be sent by post as earlier, and the process will be streamlined,” he assured.

Additionally, Mahajan warned drivers to adhere to speed limits or face penalties, stressing the importance of safe driving practices for public safety. (JKNS)