BREAKING NEWS

08-07-2025     3 رجب 1440

Bridging the Digital Divide

August 05, 2025 |

The recent report by the Ministry of Education paints a sobering picture of the digital divide that continues to plague school education in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the data, only 36 percent of school students have access to laptops, desktops, or tablets for home-based learning, while just 60 percent rely on smartphones—devices that, although widespread, are not ideal for sustained educational engagement. This means a staggering 64 percent of students lack adequate technological tools to support learning outside classrooms. In a world rapidly driven by digital infrastructure, this divide not only hinders academic progress but also deepens the existing educational inequalities. Jammu and Kashmir’s unique geographical and socio-political conditions further exacerbate the situation. Remote villages with poor network coverage, frequent internet shutdowns, and power outages have long deprived students of consistent access to online resources. The pandemic exposed the worst of this gap, with students in urban areas transitioning to online modes of learning while their rural counterparts were left behind, often for months at a stretch. Smartphones, although somewhat helpful, are limited in their effectiveness. A single device is often shared among siblings, and prolonged screen time on small screens leads to fatigue and reduces retention. More critically, many students lack parental guidance or digital literacy to make effective use of educational content online. The consequences are far-reaching. Students without digital access are not only falling behind in academics but are also losing out on exposure to global knowledge systems, competitive exam preparation, and essential digital skills that are increasingly crucial in today’s economy. This glaring inequality demands immediate and targeted intervention. The government must prioritize investments in digital infrastructure—ensuring uninterrupted internet access, especially in rural and remote areas. Schemes for distributing subsidized tablets or laptops, particularly to students from underprivileged backgrounds, should be revived and expanded. Public libraries and community learning centers equipped with digital devices can serve as shared spaces for tech-based learning. Moreover, teacher training in digital tools, content creation in local languages, and inclusive education platforms tailored for low-bandwidth environments can go a long way in addressing the digital gap. Public-private partnerships and CSR initiatives must be mobilized to bring in both funding and innovation. Education is a fundamental right, and in the 21st century, digital access is inseparable from it. Bridging this divide is not just about providing gadgets—it is about ensuring equity, empowering young minds, and securing the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s children. Without urgent action, we risk leaving an entire generation behind.

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Bridging the Digital Divide

August 05, 2025 |

The recent report by the Ministry of Education paints a sobering picture of the digital divide that continues to plague school education in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the data, only 36 percent of school students have access to laptops, desktops, or tablets for home-based learning, while just 60 percent rely on smartphones—devices that, although widespread, are not ideal for sustained educational engagement. This means a staggering 64 percent of students lack adequate technological tools to support learning outside classrooms. In a world rapidly driven by digital infrastructure, this divide not only hinders academic progress but also deepens the existing educational inequalities. Jammu and Kashmir’s unique geographical and socio-political conditions further exacerbate the situation. Remote villages with poor network coverage, frequent internet shutdowns, and power outages have long deprived students of consistent access to online resources. The pandemic exposed the worst of this gap, with students in urban areas transitioning to online modes of learning while their rural counterparts were left behind, often for months at a stretch. Smartphones, although somewhat helpful, are limited in their effectiveness. A single device is often shared among siblings, and prolonged screen time on small screens leads to fatigue and reduces retention. More critically, many students lack parental guidance or digital literacy to make effective use of educational content online. The consequences are far-reaching. Students without digital access are not only falling behind in academics but are also losing out on exposure to global knowledge systems, competitive exam preparation, and essential digital skills that are increasingly crucial in today’s economy. This glaring inequality demands immediate and targeted intervention. The government must prioritize investments in digital infrastructure—ensuring uninterrupted internet access, especially in rural and remote areas. Schemes for distributing subsidized tablets or laptops, particularly to students from underprivileged backgrounds, should be revived and expanded. Public libraries and community learning centers equipped with digital devices can serve as shared spaces for tech-based learning. Moreover, teacher training in digital tools, content creation in local languages, and inclusive education platforms tailored for low-bandwidth environments can go a long way in addressing the digital gap. Public-private partnerships and CSR initiatives must be mobilized to bring in both funding and innovation. Education is a fundamental right, and in the 21st century, digital access is inseparable from it. Bridging this divide is not just about providing gadgets—it is about ensuring equity, empowering young minds, and securing the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s children. Without urgent action, we risk leaving an entire generation behind.


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