Educational inequality forms up gradually as an ongoing process. Education is affected by social, political and economic status of people. Individuals who are from wealthy section of the society always have the privilege to reach out for better schools and institutions. While those from the deprived section are prone to lower quality, in the process, the system contributes to a deepening chasm. On the other hand, the educationally enlightened group gains more access to political and economic system turning them to be favorable to suit the interest of their own kinds. Such a structure has an adverse effect in the deprived section affecting them from multifarious direction. It is evident from the observation that if educational inequalities can be decimated, a huge change will follow in the social structure. However, to obtain the very change educational disparity, impetus from political and economic sector is inevitable. In Jammu and Kashmir the decline in standards was partly caused by militancy. More than 5,000 schools were destroyed in arson attacks. Cheating became almost the norm. The late Mufti Sayeed tried hard to expand the reach of education when he was Chief Minister from 2002 to 2005. His government built several new universities, and colleges in more or less every district. Transforming such a ‘disease rotten’ education system is a tough nut to crack, anywhere. In troubled Jammu and Kashmir, it can be a little more difficult. What is needed is revamping of education system from primary level and stopping the transfer industry so that teachers get a feeling of belonging to the society and be made accountable irrespective of religious and political affiliations. Blinkered mindsets seem to have become more common than egalitarian values and mutual respect among fellow citizens, and across religions and genders. An extended, comprehensive programme is required with an investment in peaceful coexistence and social harmony. Education should also address the aspirations of various groups by promoting their language, culture and heritage to provide a compact package for growth of children mentally and physically.
