FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DECLINING ENROLLMENT IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Abstract

Secondary education is critical for academic and personality development, yet public sector schools in Pakistan face persistent declining enrollment. This study investigated the causes of declining enrollment in public sector secondary schools in District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, examining factors related to teachers, administration, infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. The population comprised 105 secondary school teachers and 1,050 students enrolled in 9th and 10th grades at government boys' high schools in Tehsil Kotli. Using simple random sampling, 75 teachers and 280 students were selected. Two five-point Likert scale questionnaires (23 items each) were developed, validated by three experts, and pilot-tested, demonstrating high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.80). Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and mean scores. Both teachers and students strongly endorsed multiple factors contributing to declining enrollment. Teacher-related factors included physical punishment (teachers 82.7%, students 82.8%; M=4.04, 4.08), negative teacher attitude (70.7%, 86.8%; M=3.53, 3.97), lack of teacher concentration (78.6%, 92.1%; M=3.81, 4.19), lack of properly trained teachers (86%, 82.1%; M=4.00, 3.99), and lack of pre-service training (84%, 89.6%; M=4.08, 4.12). Administrative and political factors included lack of monitoring (77.3%, 87.8%; M=3.77, 3.99), poor school planning (80%, 88.2%; M=3.89, 4.11), and political interference (72%, 87.2%; M=3.65, 3.92). Infrastructure deficiencies included lack of proper buildings (66.7%, 82.8%; M=3.64, 3.95) and transportation unavailability (78.7%, 83.9%; M=3.73, 4.03). Socio-economic factors included low parental income (86.7%, 84.7%; M=4.13, 3.92) and child labor (84%, 89.6%; M=4.08, 4.12). Enrollment trend data confirmed declining patterns from 2023 to 2025. The study concludes that declining enrollment results from multiple interconnected factors. Recommendations include promoting non-punitive teaching approaches, providing in-service professional training, eliminating political interference in teacher transfers, and improving school infrastructure including buildings and transportation