Need to build alternative education mechanism in violence-hit Kashmir

Over a couple of years, the Kashmir conflict has taken an ugly turn, directly affecting the education system. The economic survey report 2016 declared irreversible loss in education in the state.

In conflict-prone regions, public welfare systems need to be resilient. (Express Photo by Shuaib Masoodi/Representational image)

The decades-old Kashmir conflict has made a serious psychological impact on children and it has made socio-emotional and psychological adjustments challenging for them in complex stressful situations. At the same time, children of the state have shown remarkable resilience. That reflects in the recent results of Class X and XII. Much of this is the outcome of positive parenting, individual intelligence and social support. Parents understand the uncertainties of the situation and are a key agency in ensuring emotional security to their children.

Over a couple of years, the Kashmir conflict has taken an ugly turn, directly affecting the education system. The economic survey report 2016 declared irreversible loss in education in the state. Despite such loss, children and their families have demonstrated a high degree of resilience.

Voluntarism has also played a big role in sustaining the educational sector in different parts of the state. Community-based schools have tried to fill in the vacuum. This was especially true during 2016. Unfortunately, however, voluntarism has not been replicated on a larger scale. During the frequent unrest in 2017 and 2018, schools have been closed for several months – last year, they were closed for 191 days – but there has been scarcely any initiative from the NGOs or governments.

In conflict-prone regions, public welfare systems need to be resilient. This is especially true for education. It is high time that Jammu and Kashmir’s education department strategises on an alternative education mechanism in humanitarian crises. Such a mechanism should involve community-level stakeholders, educationists, civil society and NGOs. It should also try to ensure continuity of education through home or community based schooling approach during unrest situations.