No Space To Play! Over 10,000 Schools In J&K Without Playground

2026-03-28 03:06:26

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday acknowledged major infrastructure gaps across schools in the Union Territory, revealing that over 10,000 institutions do not have playgrounds, while thousands lack other basic facilities.

Replying to a question in the Assembly, the government said that out of 18,724 schools in 2025–26, as many as 10,896 are without playgrounds, raising concerns about limited opportunities for physical activity and overall development of students.

The official data also flagged serious safety concerns, with 9,078 schools lacking boundary walls. In addition, 2,698 schools do not have boys' toilets, while 57 schools are without girls' toilets. As many as 78 schools lack drinking water facilities.

The government said the deficiencies impact not only student safety and hygiene but also restrict recreational and physical engagement in schools.

However, it maintained that efforts are underway to address the gaps. According to the reply, construction of 4,481 toilets is currently in progress, including 1,441 for boys, 2,575 for girls and 465 for children with special needs (CWSN).

“These works are being executed through the Public Works (R&B) Department and the Rural Development Department and are at various stages of completion,” the government said.

On concerns regarding recreational facilities, the government asserted that no school in the Union Territory lacks provisions for such activities. It also stated that the pupil-teacher ratio is being maintained within prescribed norms.

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To address subject-specific gaps, the government said Cluster Resource Coordinators are being deployed as teachers in key subjects such as Science, Mathematics and English to ensure continuity in quality education.

The disclosure comes amid growing concerns over school infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, with the data highlighting the scale of deficiencies that continue to affect the learning environment across the region.

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