The recent GAD order to enroll government employees’ children in public schools is a positive step, but its implementation is crucial to restore faith in the system.

Recently, the General Administrative Department (GAD) issued a much-needed and commendable order under GAD-RMC0LG5/73/2024-RMC-GAD, dated 26-04-2024, titled “Proposal for Compulsory Enrollment of Children of Government Employees in Government Schools.” This order was well-received by the public as a positive step towards strengthening government educational institutions. However, like many other such orders, its implementation remains elusive, raising questions about the system’s inefficiency.

The directive aims to address a long-standing issue: the declining state of government schools, which are primarily attended by underprivileged children, while many government employees, including teachers, lecturers, and professors, prefer private institutions for their children. This creates a paradox—those employed in the public education sector, often drawing substantial salaries, are unwilling to enroll their own wards in the very institutions they serve. This raises a critical question: if educators themselves lack faith in the system, how can the public be expected to trust government schools?

The fact that government employees choose private education for their children sends a negative message to the general populace. It tarnishes the image of public schools and perpetuates the belief that these institutions are subpar. This lack of confidence, particularly from the very people working within the system, undermines any efforts to improve public education. It creates a damaging cycle where government schools are seen as a last resort for those who cannot afford private schooling.

One of the major reasons for the decline in government schools is their defunct status in many areas. Schools have been left neglected, with buildings used for non-educational purposes, and teachers often working on deputation to other institutions. The failure to appoint and retain effective teachers in these schools is evident in the decreasing enrollment numbers. This leads to a pressing question: if a teacher is receiving a salary, why is their school failing? If teachers lack the motivation to encourage admissions in their schools, they are failing in their duties.

As the Chairman of the Village Education Committee (VEC) for a local government school, I have witnessed firsthand how neglect can lead to the demise of an educational institution. Our school was practically defunct in 2021. However, with the collective efforts of fellow VEC members, we decided to close the admissions of our children in private schools and enroll them in our local school. We personally reached out to parents, convincing them to support the revival of the school. However, a common refrain echoed in every conversation: “Why don’t government teachers admit their own children to government schools? What is the reason?”

This question was difficult to answer. However, with our determination and trust in the Almighty, we were able to turn the situation around. Teachers were reassigned to their original positions, and our school now enjoys healthy enrollment. Nevertheless, the issue lingers in the minds of the people—why are government schools abandoned by those who are supposed to uphold their standards?

The recent order by the GAD must be implemented without delay, and the government must ensure that primary and middle schools receive the facilities they deserve. Our experience with meeting the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Pulwama and the concerned Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) was positive, as they assured us of turning our school into a model institution. They praised our efforts, yet the reality on the ground remains unchanged—our school building is still not repaired.

This situation is not unique to our area; it reflects the broader issue of non-implementation of government orders at the grassroots level. While policy changes and new directives are often well-intentioned, their impact is diminished if they are not followed through. Government officials must recognize the urgency of implementing such orders and ensure that resources and infrastructure are provided to schools. Without action, these policies remain mere words on paper, and the future of public education in our country will continue to suffer.

It is high time the government takes meaningful steps to restore faith in public education by holding teachers accountable, providing adequate resources, and implementing their orders in a timely manner. Only then will government schools be able to regain the trust of the people and fulfill their purpose of educating all children, regardless of their background.

By Dr Aasif Ahmad

Dr Aasif Ahmad