DODA, Aug 19: The declining enrolment in government schools, closure of schools with negligible or zero enrolment, allegations of financial irregularities, prolonged attachments and concerns over monitoring have raised questions about the functioning and future of government education in District Doda.
According to figures cited in the recent inputs, nearly 90 government schools in the district have reportedly recorded zero enrolment, while more than 90 schools have fewer than 10 students and over 70 schools have enrolment below 15. The figures, if verified by the concerned authorities, indicate a serious challenge to the viability and effectiveness of the government-school system and call for an immediate assessment of the reasons behind the decline.
The situation has also triggered concerns among parents, who increasingly prefer private schools for their children. Poor monitoring, teacher absenteeism, inadequate inspections, prolonged staff attachments and alleged administrative irregularities are among the issues that need to be examined objectively. Any lapses affecting classroom teaching or the utilisation of public funds must be investigated through proper departmental mechanisms, with responsibility fixed wherever violations are established.
There are also allegations that certain sections of the offices of the Chief Education Officer and Zonal Education Officers exercise excessive influence over administrative matters. Critics contend that inexperienced officers may sometimes become dependent on clerical staff for handling files, financial matters and procedural issues. Such allegations underline the need for stronger supervision, transparent file management and clear accountability at every administrative level.
Another concern is the reported presence of teachers in CEO and ZEO offices during school hours for administrative or personal matters. If verified, such practices can directly affect classroom functioning and should be addressed through a transparent attendance and monitoring mechanism. Teachers must remain primarily focused on their teaching responsibilities, while legitimate administrative work should be handled through clearly defined procedures.
The declining enrolment figures also require a broader examination rather than being attributed to a single factor. Government schools can regain public confidence only when they provide quality teaching, regular attendance, effective leadership, adequate infrastructure and a safe and encouraging learning environment. At the same time, schools with very low enrolment need rationalisation based on transparent criteria, while children in remote areas must continue to have accessible educational facilities.
The proposal to appoint senior JKAS officers as Chief Education Officers and junior JKAS officers as Zonal Education Officers has been put forward as one possible administrative reform. Supporters of the proposal argue that professional administrative experience could strengthen financial management, supervision, accountability and coordination. However, any such restructuring should be based on a detailed assessment of the existing education-administration framework and the specific requirements of the department.
The immediate priority should be to strengthen inspections, digitise file and attendance systems, ensure transparent handling of public funds, review staff attachments and introduce measurable performance indicators for educational administrators. Regular social audits and parent-community participation can further improve accountability.
The concerns raised regarding government schools in Doda deserve serious attention from the administration. Rather than allowing the decline in enrolment and public confidence to continue, the authorities should undertake a comprehensive review of the district’s education system and implement corrective measures. The future of government education depends on accountable administration, competent leadership, dedicated teachers and, above all, the restoration of parents’ confidence in government schools.