October 27, Srinagar: Seasonal schools in Jammu and Kashmir, which serve the educational needs of children from migratory families in high-altitude regions, are set to close by the end of October. These institutions operate annually from May through October, ensuring uninterrupted learning for children who migrate with their families between the plains and the highland pastures.
As temperatures begin to drop, nomadic communities in Jammu and Kashmir are now making their way down from the high-altitude regions to warmer plains. This marks the end of the seasonal schooling period, which is designed to adapt to the migratory lifestyle of these communities.
An official from Samagra Shiksha, J&K, told that 1,826 seasonal schools are currently in operation across 15 districts, catering to around 31,658 children from nomadic families. These schools are strategically established along migratory routes, allowing children from these communities to continue their education uninterrupted.
“The Directorate of Samagra Shiksha, Jammu and Kashmir, has established these centers in districts where nomadic families reside during migration, providing essential educational support to children in these remote areas,” the official explained. The seasonal schools function for a maximum of six months, specifically from May to October, at some of the highest mountain pastures in the region.
Under the Samagra Shiksha initiative, the seasonal centers employ educational volunteers (EVs) who are assigned to these regions during the migration period. Once the families return from the Dhoks (mountain pastures), the children are re-enrolled in local schools in their home districts, ensuring that they benefit from all government educational schemes and resources.
“The seasonal schools will officially close by October’s end as the families descend to the plains,” the official confirmed, underscoring the importance of these educational interventions in supporting Jammu and Kashmir’s nomadic communities.
