SRINAGAR: Er. Ehtisham Khan, a prominent activist for social and student rights and Co-Founder of “The Purpose” (NGO) has called for action concerning the severe shortage of textbooks affecting schools throughout Kashmir.
Despite the commencement of the new academic session almost three weeks ago, schools in Kashmir are still grappling with a significant shortage of textbooks, directly impacting the educational progress of countless students, Khan said in a statement, adding that parents are deeply concerned as their children remain without essential learning materials, exacerbating the challenges already faced in the educational landscape.
He said, “Government school educators have shed light on the critical situation, revealing that students have received only a fraction of the necessary textbooks, severely impeding their educational advancement. Shockingly, some students have yet to receive textbooks for fundamental subjects such as Kashmiri, Urdu, Civics, and Science, while others lack materials for vital classes like Mathematics and History.”
Reports suggest that the distribution process, which commenced on March 21, 2024, has been plagued by inefficiencies, leaving students and teachers in a state of uncertainty, Er Ehtisham said. Even private schools, mandated to adhere to BOSE-prescribed textbooks, are experiencing delays in obtaining essential learning materials, despite assurances from BOSE, he added.
Er Khan has urged the Lieutenant Governor and the Education Department to intervene and address this critical issue. Every day of delay further jeopardizes the future of Kashmir’s youth and undermines their fundamental right to education, he said.
“We cannot stand idly by as our children’s education is compromised due to administrative inefficiencies. It is imperative that swift and decisive action be taken to ensure that every student has access to the textbooks they need to thrive,” he emphasized
Er Ehtisham emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the textbook distribution process to prevent such crises from recurring in the future. He said the plight of Kashmiri students’ demands immediate attention. The administration must prioritize education and commit to resolving this crisis promptly, he added.

KR Desk