Srinagar, Nov. 17 -- In 2025, education in Jammu & Kashmir stands at a critical crossroads. It is widely acknowledged as the most powerful tool for empowerment, especially in a valley where decades of conflict, marginalization, and uneven development have shaped the aspirations of its youth. Yet, despite visible reforms and policy momentum, the system continues to struggle with deep-rooted challenges that threaten to undermine its transformative potential.

The rollout of the National Education Policy (NEP) has brought a wave of optimism. Model schools under the PM SHRI initiative have begun to take shape, particularly in urban centers like Srinagar and Jammu. These institutions boast smart classrooms, upgraded libraries, and digital boar...