The Department of School Education in Jammu & Kashmir has recently initiated a drive to bring the children of non-state workers to school and register them in the respective schools wherever they live. The Union Territory administration has instructed the field officers of the department to take essential measures in this regard.

According to an official statement, the number of people in Jammu & Kashmir who migrated from outer areas and live-in slum dwellings is estimated to be in lakhs.

The statement added that in Jammu & Kashmir regions, many children whose education is overlooked by their parents are forced to work at an early age to support their families.

Chief Education Officer Poonch has directed all zonal education officers and principals to visit slum areas in their jurisdictions where non-government workers live and facilitate parents to register their children in schools.

On Thursday, CEO Bishambardas visited a Jhuggi Junpadi close to Sher Kashmir Bridge. For the first time, the Education Department has started a campaign to bring children of labourers into the mainstream education system.

CEO Bishambardas Poonch stated that migrant people mainly work during the daytime, their children are either involved in child labour or other unnecessary or illegal activities, and their education is neglected.

The school education department determined to recognize the children living in slums in the Poonch district, CEO added. CEO Bishambardas said we are trying to identify every child who has never registered or is out of school so that they can obtain an education at their doorstep. This initiative will also decline child labour in the Poonch district. Therefore, special counselling sessions are also being carried out in slums.

According to the officials, some teachers are being identified to deliver education to children in slums at their doorstep. Children are also being provided free textbooks and other necessary materials like mid-day meals.