Status of Higher Education in Rural Areas of Jammu And Kashmir State

Abstract

Education is an indispensable for the development and prosperity of both a nation and society. It acts as a pillar of support and hence provides skills and development for effective employment in the future. Apart from primary and secondary education, higher education is the backbone of the contemporary society. The Indian higher education system has exhibited remarkable development over the last decade to become one of the world’s largest systems of higher education. Around 65% of the state’s population lives in rural areas. The higher education system in rural areas of developing and underdeveloped countries are facing many challenges. The limited accessibility and challenges to education are attributed mainly to political, economic and social issues. The current status of higher education in rural areas is characterized by low enrolment, poor completion rates, poor physical infrastructure, and high drop out. The institutions of higher education located in rural areas are lacking in the implementation of best practices in higher education and quality. There are number of higher educational institutions located in remote, rural, and backward areas, striving to achieve excellence. J&K state also has several renowned institutions of higher learning. There are some institutes providing higher education in the fields of arts, medicine, engineering and management.