Srinagar: As Jammu and Kashmir grapples with an intense heatwave, a Ministry of Education (MoE) report has revealed that at least 30 percent of school students study in classrooms without functional fans and lights.
According to the report, 70 percent of students confirmed that their schools are equipped with working fans and lights, while the remaining face sweltering conditions during school hours.
The survey further highlighted that 75 percent of students reported access to separate functional toilets for boys and girls, and 69 percent said their schools provide adequate sports facilities.
Clean drinking water was reported available by 73 percent of students, while 60 percent confirmed the presence of functional laboratories for Grade IX.
The MoE noted that school facilities play a vital role in enhancing the teaching-learning process. “The figures illustrate the availability of essential school infrastructure. Instances where availability is below 50 percent need targeted interventions,” the report stated.
Most students said their schools have basic amenities such as toilets, drinking water, and proper ventilation through functional fans and lights. However, the report pointed out that science laboratories for higher classes remain comparatively less available.
The findings also shed light on students’ mental well-being, with some reporting stress, isolation, or reluctance to attend school. A few expressed difficulty in finding someone to talk to when upset, and others raised concerns over pressure from excessive activities.
The report calls for consistent access to all essential facilities to create a more conducive learning environment across Jammu and Kashmir.
