EDUCATION IN KASHMIR: SCENARIO WITHIN DOUBLE LOCKDOWN—COVID-19 & CONFLICT
Abstract
Jammu and Kashmir being a restive region in Indian union has seen enormous upheavals since 1846 and in particular after 1947. Despite the fact that the States various constituents have been dented, Education has seen and been an area which has been hit the worst and at the same time is an area which has received less attention from State as well as local populace and civil Society. This paper is an attempt to analyse the education Scenario in valley and affects due to conflict which it has suffered. Further and in particular the situation after watering-down of Article 370 and COVID-19 scenario. The situation is peculiar because everywhere else the populace suffered a single blow of COVID-19 but the effects of lockdown by State after 5th August 2019 was unprecedented. The schools remained shut and lifeless for months to come. The examination pattern and school routine got disrupted due to State action which was a shock to the concept of State as provider of basic goods and services and securing Right to Education to millions of children. In order to gauge the impact of States decision in 2019 and the impact of COVID-19 in year 2020, this paper shall highlight and try to give proper understanding of impact of this ‘double-lockdown’ on Education in Kashmir.
