Shaping the future……a landmark enrolment drive in government schools “kindness in action, a gesture that sparks hope”

By Javeed Abdullah

X: @the_news_21

Srinagar: Education serves as the foundation of any thriving society, empowering individuals and driving collective progress. In a significant step toward strengthening the educational framework of Jammu & Kashmir, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has launched an ambitious enrolment drive across the valley.

With a target of enrolling nearly one lakh children into government schools, the initiative represents a major push to ensure that every child has access to quality education, regardless of social or economic barriers. The enrollment drive has been marked by a sense of collective responsibility and celebration. Teachers, officers, civil society members, parents, and even retired officials have united to make the campaign a resounding success.

The drive reflects the commitment for improving educational access and also the unparalleled support of the community in transforming the education sector. What makes this initiative remarkable is the festive atmosphere surrounding it. Schools have been decorated with colourful garlands and banners, while students have been welcomed with sweets, stationery, fruits, garlands and other gifts.

The active involvement of educators, administrators, and the support of the public has turned the drive into more than just an enrollment campaign. It has become a movement aimed at securing a brighter future for the children.

The enrolment drive was officially initiated by the Director of School Education Kashmir, who emphasized the need for collective action to reach the ambitious target of enrolling one lakh children. The Chief Education Officers (CEOs) of each district have taken the lead in organizing and overseeing the campaign. The District Education and Planning Officers (DEPOs), who have been designated as the nodal officers for the program.

From the headmasters of high schools to the Heads of Institutions (HOIs) at middle and primary schools, all teaching and non-teaching staff have actively participated in the drive. The campaign has also drawn support from parents, community leaders, and retired educators, highlighting the importance of education as a shared societal responsibility.

The enrollment drive has been celebrated like a festival in schools across Kashmir. Classrooms and corridors have been decorated with colourful ribbons, banners, and traditional garlands (mala), creating a welcoming atmosphere for new students. To make the experience memorable for the newly enrolled children, schools have distributed toffees, fruits, notebooks, pens, and other school supplies.

This gesture has not only made the children feel valued but has also instilled in them a sense of excitement and belonging. The warm reception has played a key role in encouraging more parents to consider government schools as the preferred choice for their children’s education.

The drive has already yielded impressive results. Kupwara district has emerged as a leader in the campaign, enrolling nearly 11,000 new students—the highest number across the valley. Baramulla and Anantnag districts have also shown significant progress, with 9500 and 8500 children of new enrolments reported.

At the zonal level, Zone Khumriyal of Kupwara has recorded the highest number of new enrolments, with more than 1,600 students joining government schools. It is followed closely by Zone Sogam with 1,300 enrolments and Zone Kupwara with 1,100 enrolments. These numbers reflect not only the effectiveness of the campaign but also the growing trust of the community in the government schools.

The success of the enrolment drive in Kupwara can be attributed in large part to the inspiring leadership of Chief Education Officer Kupwara, Mehraj U Din Shah, and District Education and Planning Officer, Mohammad Iqbal Shah, who also serves as the nodal officer for the program. Both officers have been personally involved in the drive, attending enrolment events at various schools and zonal levels.

Their motivational speeches have resonated with parents and community members, encouraging them to place their trust in government schools. Their ability to connect with the public and articulate the benefits of government education has truly influenced parents’ decisions to transfer their children from private institutions to government schools.

A large number of new enrolments in Kupwara have come from students who previously attended private schools. This shift reflects not only the success of the campaign but also the improving quality and perception of government education in the district.

CEO Kupwara Mehraj U Din Shah emphasized that increasing enrollment is just the beginning. He assured parents that the education department would make every effort to ensure student retention and improve the overall quality of education. Plans are already underway to introduce innovative teaching methods, enhance teacher training, and provide better infrastructural facilities in schools.

The focus is on creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students can thrive academically and personally. The commitment to retention and academic excellence is expected to consolidate the gains of the enrollment drive and establish government schools in Kupwara as centres of educational excellence.

The success of the enrollment drive would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of teachers and school staff.

Teachers across Kupwara have shown remarkable dedication, going door-to-door to motivate parents and students to enrol in government schools. Their personal engagement, combined with their passion for teaching, has played a crucial role in breaking down barriers and building trust within the community.

The positive response from parents and students speaks about the dedication of the teacher’s commitment and the value they bring to the education system. Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) of Kupwara have also played a pivotal role in coordinating the drive, ensuring smooth execution at the grassroots level. Their strategic planning and on-ground support have ensured that every school in the district is actively participating in the campaign.

The success of the drive has been strengthened by the active participation of civil society members, ex-servicemen from the education department, and local leaders. Their involvement has created a sense of collective ownership and responsibility toward education. Parents have shown immense trust and confidence in the government’s initiative.

The decision by many parents to transfer their children from private to government schools reflects the growing perception of government schools as reliable and competitive educational institutions. The enrollment drive represents a defining moment for the education system. Beyond the impressive enrolment figures, the campaign has created a renewed sense of confidence and pride in government schools.

The leadership of education officials, the hard work of teachers, and the trust of parents have collectively contributed to the success of this initiative. As we move forward, the focus will shift toward ensuring retention, improving academic standards, and building an education system that empowers every child to achieve their full potential.

The drive stands as an example to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision of educational excellence. The success of the campaign in Kupwara serves as an inspiring example for the entire valley, a reminder that education is not just about enrolment, but about building a foundation for a better future.

About the Author: Javeed Abdullah is an academician, author, columnist and a stage-host. He can be reached at Javeedwrites378@gmail.com