Unravelling the social, economic, and psychological factors behind rising school and college dropouts, and exploring strategies to keep Kashmir’s youth in education
By Sahil Ahmad Lone
Education is a basic human right and fosters economic growth and human development. Providing the right type of education to the right people at the right time is the key to human resource development. As the world enters a new age of AI, education becomes a necessity. However, here in Kashmir, something horrendous is happening. The silent crisis is gradually gaining momentum in Kashmir.
Kashmiri people have already witnessed countless challenges over the decades, but one of the most troubling issues today is unfolding quietly within the classrooms: dropout rates in schools, colleges, and universities are rising at an alarming pace. More and more children are losing interest in studies, and by the time they reach higher education, the dropout numbers multiply each year. You may be wondering, what is a dropout? Dropout is defined as children ceasing to be enrolled in school. Social scientists and analysts across the world have been broadly investigating the reasons for dropouts. This trend in Kashmir raises many questions: Why are so many young minds abandoning their education? What social, economic, and psychological forces are driving this crisis?”
According to UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education), in the academic session 2024-25, the dropout rate at the primary level (Classes 1–5) in J&K has increased by 1.6%, reaching 8.9%, compared to last year. The middle level (Classes 6–8) remained normal, but the higher classes (9–12) saw an alarming rise to 13.4%, compared to the previous academic session, 2023-24. The 2022 UDISE report declared that Jammu and Kashmir was the fifth-highest dropout state in India, after Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.
In contrast to the positive trend of school-level retention, universities and colleges in the Kashmir Valley have experienced a sharp decline in enrollment over the past two years. Universities like the University of Kashmir, the Islamic University of Science and Technology, and the Central University of Kashmir are struggling to fill seats in various courses. The problem of dropouts has been a persistent issue in primary, middle, and even higher education systems—not only in India but also in other developing countries. Dropouts do not merely mean students rejecting school; they also lead to a wastage of funds invested in schools, colleges, and universities—covering buildings, teachers’ salaries, equipment, textbooks, and more. Mindless dropouts are a major problem for our education system.
Now, the question arises: what is causing these high, alarming dropout rates?
There is no single main cause of dropouts, but rather a combination of various factors. For example, financial hardships and poverty play a significant role, as most of the population in Kashmir lives below the poverty line. Students struggle to afford educational expenses, leading to a lack of resources and support. Moreover, parents often feel FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when their children do not get into private schools. Private schools across India are known for their high fees, which become a significant burden for most parents, especially with education inflation hovering around 10–12% annually. This financial strain contributes to dropout rates.
A lack of interest from both students and parents also contributes. Academic difficulties are another major factor—students who struggle with coursework, or who have conditions like dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia, often find it hard to keep up. Non-native English speakers or students with weaknesses in reading, writing, and grasping concepts may become frustrated and disengaged from studies.
The desire for early financial independence and marriage is also a significant concern in Kashmir. This mindset often drives child labour. According to the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation report (2020), J&K is projected to have 64,260 child labourers aged 5–14 by 2025. Sectors include agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, automobile shops, brick kilns, and domestic work. These short-term desires often lead to dropout.
Personal issues such as health problems and mental health challenges further exacerbate the situation. Moreover, the excessive use of social media can be a significant distraction. Most students consume content from social media platforms, and the advice from so-called influencers is often misleading. The lifestyles showcased are mostly fake, and students who indulge in this content tend to live in a fantasy world, which decreases their focus on studies and increases the likelihood of dropping out.
To cope with these situations, students can seek support from teachers, counsellors, and mentors. Parents can also take measures like limiting phone use and showing interest in their children’s education, providing emotional and financial support. Educational institutions can offer flexible schedules, online courses, or vocational training to help students balance academic and personal responsibilities. Students can develop time management skills, set realistic goals, and find ways to make learning more engaging and relevant to their interests.
Most importantly, society needs to change its narrative: education is not just meant for securing a certain job or position in society. It is fundamental for everyone to be aware of the current global scenario. By understanding these complex causes and implementing effective strategies, educators, parents, students, and society as a whole can work together to reduce dropout rates and promote academic success.
Conclusion
The dropout crisis in Kashmir is not just an education problem; it is a social and economic issue that will shape the region’s future. If left unaddressed, it will widen inequality and unemployment. However, with coordinated efforts—improving infrastructure, providing financial aid, ensuring safety for girls, and linking education to employment—Kashmir can turn the tide. Every student who stays in school, college, or university strengthens not only their own future but also the future of society as a whole. The time to act is NOW.
mr*******@***il.com