Seasonal schools in J&K to close by…

Srinagar, Oct 26: The seasonal schools in Jammu and Kashmir, which provide educational facilities to children of the migratory population in highland pastures from May to October will close by the end of this month.As weather conditions in the higher elevations of Jammu and Kashmir change, the nomadic population, along with their children, has started their migration to the plains.An official from Samagra Shiksha J&K informed Rising Kashmir that there are currently 1,826 operational seasonal schools across the 15 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. These institutions provide education to 31,658 children from nomadic families during their migration from the plains to the highland pastures of the Union Territory.“The Directorate of Samagra Shiksha, Jammu and Kashmir, supports the education of these children from nomadic or migratory communities by establishing seasonal centers in the districts where these families and their livestock reside during the migration period,” he said.The official further elaborated that these seasonal centers operate for a maximum of six months in the highest mountain pastures. Under the Samagra Shiksha initiative, seasonal educational volunteers (EVs) are appointed for a period of six months, from May to October each year.“Upon returning from the Dhoks (Migration Center), the children of the migratory nomadic population go back to their homes, where they are enrolled in local schools and can access all benefits provided under the scheme,” he added.The official further said that all seasonal schools in the highland pastures will close by the end of October.