Seasonal Mobile Schools | An Initiative to Impart Education in Kashmir’s Wild

An initiative to impart education to the children of Gujjar, Bakerwal, and other grazing communities in highland pastures in the summer season, the education department started a seasonal mobile schools program between 2002-2008. According to estimates, there are 45,000 children enrolled in these mobile schools in seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir. In order to deliver teaching services, the Government employs more than 1100 Educational Volunteers (EVs). Although there has been severe criticism about the functioning of these schools, given bad infrastructure, teaching aid, and tents, there has been a good amount of praise as well by the communities whose children are being educated. There are still several schools which need proper tent accommodation, sitting arrangements according to locals and teachers. The Chief Education Officer of Baramulla has ensured that the schools will be provided proper infrastructure so that the functioning of these mobile schools is not affected.