Srinagar, November 3,2026- In a major push towards strengthening the school education system in Jammu and Kashmir, ₹2,325.84 crore has been approved under the Samagra Shiksha programme for the financial year 2025–26, with a focus on improving school infrastructure, expanding digital learning facilities, promoting skill development and ensuring inclusive education across the Union Territory.
The allocation is aimed at creating better learning environments in government schools and providing students with access to modern educational facilities. The initiative reflects an emphasis on upgrading existing infrastructure while making technology an integral part of classroom education.
Among the major approvals are 3,418 additional classrooms, 4,428 smart classrooms and 4,341 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratories across Jammu and Kashmir. These facilities are expected to address infrastructure gaps, improve classroom conditions and provide students with greater exposure to digital education.
The additional classrooms will help ease overcrowding in schools and provide students with more comfortable and conducive spaces for learning. The expansion of smart classrooms will support technology-enabled teaching through digital educational resources, interactive learning tools and multimedia-based lessons.
Similarly, the proposed ICT laboratories will provide students with opportunities to develop computer skills, improve digital literacy and become familiar with emerging technologies. These facilities are particularly important as digital knowledge and technological skills are becoming essential for higher education and future employment.
Focus on Modern and Technology-Enabled Education
The Samagra Shiksha programme aims to improve the overall quality of school education by supporting infrastructure development, teacher training, digital initiatives and better learning outcomes.
The introduction of additional smart classrooms and ICT laboratories is expected to strengthen the use of technology in government schools, particularly in areas where access to advanced educational resources remains limited.
Digital learning facilities can help teachers explain complex subjects through visual and interactive methods, making classroom teaching more engaging and accessible. They can also provide students with opportunities to explore educational content beyond traditional textbooks.
The initiative is expected to benefit students across different districts of Jammu and Kashmir, with particular importance for schools in rural and remote areas where infrastructure and access to digital resources require continued attention.
Inclusive Education and Equal Learning Opportunities
Alongside infrastructure and technology, inclusive education remains an important component of Samagra Shiksha.
The programme seeks to ensure that children from different social and economic backgrounds, including Children with Special Needs (CwSN), receive appropriate educational support and opportunities to participate in mainstream schooling.
Its inclusive education component provides for student-oriented interventions such as assistive devices, learning materials, assessment and identification support, transportation assistance and other facilities according to individual requirements.
Such measures are aimed at reducing barriers to education and ensuring that students with special needs can access learning opportunities in a supportive environment.
The programme also focuses on improving educational access, strengthening school facilities and supporting the overall development of children from pre-primary to senior secondary levels.
Strengthening the Future of School Education in J&K
Samagra Shiksha is a centrally sponsored integrated school education programme implemented by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it focuses on equitable, inclusive and quality education across the country.
The scheme supports various interventions, including school infrastructure development, additional classrooms, laboratories, libraries, digital facilities, teacher training, textbooks, uniforms and measures to improve enrolment and student retention.
With substantial approvals for additional classrooms, smart classrooms and ICT laboratories, Jammu and Kashmir is expected to gain further momentum in modernising its government school system.
The investment of ₹2,325.84 crore represents an important step towards improving educational infrastructure and expanding access to technology-enabled learning.
As the approved projects move towards implementation, their effective execution will be crucial in ensuring that students across Jammu and Kashmir benefit from better classrooms, modern teaching facilities and an inclusive educational environment.
The broader objective is to strengthen government schools, bridge the digital divide and create better opportunities for the next generation through accessible, equitable and quality education.
