Inclusivity and Equity Strategies in Higher Education in Jammu and Kashmir: A Systematic Review of Policies, Challenges, and Future Directions

Nuzhat Jan; Aufaq Ahmad Zargar

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.82861

Inclusivity and Equity Strategies in Higher Education in Jammu and Kashmir: A Systematic Review of Policies, Challenges, and Future Directions

Author(s)	Dr. Nuzhat Jan, Prof. Aufaq Ahmad Zargar
Country	India
Abstract	Inclusivity and equity have become fundamental principles for promoting quality education and ensuring equal opportunities in higher education systems worldwide. In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, achieving equitable access to higher education remains a significant challenge due to geographical remoteness, infrastructural limitations, socio-economic disparities, and the unique educational needs of marginalized communities, particularly the Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes. This systematic review critically examines the effectiveness of existing policies and institutional initiatives designed to promote inclusivity and equity in higher education across the region. Relevant literature published between 2010 and 2026 was identified through Google Scholar, ERIC, Shodhganga, and government reports using predefined search criteria. The findings reveal that although substantial progress has been made through institutional expansion, scholarship schemes, digital learning initiatives, skill development programmes, and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, several barriers continue to hinder equitable participation. Challenges such as inadequate educational infrastructure, seasonal migration, financial constraints, limited digital connectivity, and insufficient institutional flexibility continue to affect the educational attainment of marginalized learners. The review highlights the importance of adopting culturally responsive pedagogical practices, flexible academic policies, mobile learning initiatives, and community-based support systems to improve educational participation and learning outcomes. It concludes that sustainable educational equity in Jammu and Kashmir requires localized implementation of national educational policies, strengthened institutional support, improved infrastructure, enhanced digital inclusion, and continuous collaboration among policymakers, higher educational institutions, and local communities.
Keywords	Inclusivity, Equity, Higher Education, Jammu and Kashmir, National Education Policy 2020, Gujjar and Bakarwal Communities, Educational Access
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-07-02
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.82861

View / Download PDF File

E-ISSN 2582-2160

doi

CrossRef DOI prefix of IJFMR is 10.36948/ijfmr

Downloads

Research Paper Format Copyright Permission Form and Undertaking Form Cover Page Vol 8 Isu 3 Cover Page Vol 8 Isu 2 Cover Page Vol 8 Isu 2

All research papers published on this website are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and all rights belong to their respective authors/researchers.

CC-BY-SA

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Inclusivity and Equity Strategies in Higher Education in Jammu and Kashmir: A Systematic Review of Policies, Challenges, and Future Directions

Share this