Enrolment of Children with Special Needs (CWSN) in schools across Jammu and Kashmir has declined by nearly 10 per cent over the past five years, even as government spending on inclusive education under the Samagra Shiksha scheme has increased, official data tabled in Parliament shows.

According to figures presented in the Lok Sabha, the number of CWSN in Jammu and Kashmir fell from 22,736 in 2020–21 to 17,993 in 2023–24, before rising modestly to 20,534 in 2024–25. Despite the recent uptick, enrolment remains well below early-decade levels, pointing to persistent gaps in identification, retention and outreach.
The data was shared by the Ministry of Education in response to a question on inclusive education under Samagra Shiksha. The ministry said the Inclusive Education component is being implemented in all States and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Financial allocations for inclusive education in the Union Territory have shown an overall upward trend, rising from Rs 1,022.59 lakh in 2020–21 to Rs 1,287.30 lakh in 2024–25, though with a dip in 2023–24. The funds support identification and assessment camps, assistive devices, transport and escort allowances, home-based education for children with severe disabilities, salaries and training of special educators, and barrier-free infrastructure in schools.
At the national level, enrolment of CWSN stood at over 21.49 lakh in 2024–25, slightly lower than 21.91 lakh in 2020–21. Several states recorded sharper fluctuations. Maharashtra saw enrolment decline from 2.80 lakh to 2.33 lakh over the same period, while Uttar Pradesh reported an increase to 3.33 lakh in the latest year.
The ministry said states track learning outcomes and retention of CWSN through UDISE data, periodic assessments and individualised education plans. However, no Jammu and Kashmir–specific assessment findings were shared in Parliament, leaving unanswered questions about whether the decline reflects dropouts, migration, gaps in early identification or data corrections.
Officials added that Samagra Shiksha operates in convergence with the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Social Justice to provide aids and appliances through the ADIP–SSA scheme, aimed at improving access and inclusion for children with disabilities.