Tangmarg June 11 (KNS): Kashmir’s Tangmarg and Kunzer zones, the education system continues to suffer from systemic neglect, burdened leadership, and unresolved infrastructure issues. For the students and teachers on the ground, hope is increasingly hard to come by as classrooms shrink, teachers remain unappointed, and promises—from both past and present political regimes—go unfulfilled.

One of the starkest administrative gaps exists in Kunzer, where the Zonal Education Office is being run by an in-charge ZEO, who is not a designated officer but the Principal of a school, now also tasked with overseeing both Kunzer and Hardshoora Higher Secondary Schools. With one person stretched across multiple leadership roles, effective administration and academic leadership are both severely compromised.

Meanwhile in Tangmarg, although the situation is difficult, the ZEO has been actively trying to manage the dual burden of running the zone as well as functioning as the Principal of Chandilora Higher Secondary School. While speaking to KNS, the ZEO Tangmarg stated, "I have been trying my best to handle all the responsibilities. I am continuously conveying this matter to the higher-ups and seeking support." His sincerity is visible—but without institutional backing, the effort remains unsupported.

In both Tangmarg and Kunzer, subject-specific lecturer posts—particularly for Physics and Chemistry—remain vacant in higher secondary schools. These vacancies hit students hardest, especially those from underprivileged families who cannot afford private tuition and depend solely on government schools. A student from Hardshoora said, “We are poor and can't afford tuition; we just need proper lecturers like other schools have.”

Infrastructure concerns plague many schools. Qazipora Middle School, for example, still operates from a tin shed, a condition exposed by a KNS story months ago. Construction of a permanent school building has been stalled indefinitely due to a conflict between the Education and Forest Departments over land clearance. Ziran Middle School also operates in cramped conditions, with only a small building and limited classrooms, creating a learning environment far from ideal.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The story of Khaipora Middle School paints a similarly grim picture. With over 140 students and only six teachers, the school is forced to conduct two classes in a single room, and staff juggle 45 classes a day under impossible pressure. Recent staff transfers only added to the confusion: Arif Ahmad Ganai was shifted from the school and replaced by Sameer Ahmad Waza, who was then posted at Ferozpora, leaving Khaipora in further uncertainty. Such frequent, unclear transfers raise serious questions about policy and priorities.

Despite multiple attempts by concerned citizens and stakeholders, appeals to higher authorities like DSEK G.N. Itoo have reportedly gone unanswered—compounding public frustration.

But the failure doesn’t lie with any single official or administration. The current crisis is the result of nearly 25 years of cumulative neglect by successive governments, each making lofty promises about improving education—and each failing to act meaningfully. MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah, during his election campaign, had famously declared, “Education will be my first priority.” Yet, eight months into his term, tangible change remains elusive.

Political interference, especially in teacher transfers and postings, continues to be whispered about. While such practices are not unique to the present government, they have over time damaged institutional integrity, created distrust, and turned key educational processes into personal or political favors.

Despite these obstacles, the situation demands urgent correction. ZEO Tangmarg’s proactive approach is commendable, but unless he and others in the system are given the institutional and political support they need, real change will remain a distant hope.

The children of Tangmarg, Kunzer, Khaipora, Ziran, and Qazipora are not demanding luxuries—they are pleading for their basic right to quality education. Without timely action, a generation of students will be condemned to suffer the consequences of bureaucratic stagnation and long-standing political indifference.(KNS)