Education

JK Unaided Private School Association presents Charter of Demands to Education Minister

1 November 2024

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Srinagar: The JK Unaided Private School Association, led by its President, Showkat Chowdhary, met with Education Minister Sakeena Itoo to address critical challenges facing private schools in Jammu and Kashmir. A statement issued to Ziraat Times today said the delegation included prominent Association members Iqbal Beigh, Yousuf Manzar, and Javaid Ahmad. Despite the state holiday, Minister Itoo dedicated time to engage with the Association, earning their gratitude for her proactive approach and commitment to educational progress, the statement added.

During the meeting, Minister Itoo acknowledged the vital role that private schools play in Jammu and Kashmir’s education sector. She expressed the government’s intent to support institutional and student welfare, committing to meaningful steps toward addressing the Association’s concerns.

The Association submitted a comprehensive charter of demands, emphasizing the following priorities:

1. Implementation of Order No. 06-EDU-2024 Dated 19-09-2024: The Association urged immediate enforcement of the Principal Secretary to Education Department’s directive, which enables schools to register 9th and 10th grade students with JKBOSE, stressing that delays disrupt students’ academic continuity.

2. Streamlining Registration and Renewal under SO 177: Private schools currently face extensive delays due to the requirement for multiple No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various departments. The Association proposed simplifying this process, suggesting a reduction in NOCs or a one-time submission policy, and extending the registration validity period to 10 years.

3. Academic Freedom: The Association requested flexibility from the mandate in SO 177 that requires exclusive use of JKBOSE textbooks, as this restriction limits access to diverse learning resources and diminishes academic innovation.

4. Clearance of FFRC Files: With approximately 450 fee revision files pending approval, the Association called for expedited processing before the new academic year begins.

5. Fee Regulation: The Association proposed that the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) Chairman be empowered to approve tuition fee increases up to ₹2,000 and annual charges up to ₹8,000 to support operational sustainability for schools while pending FFRC decisions cause financial strain.

6. Policy Alignment with Judicial Guidelines: The Association underscored the importance of consistency in regulatory practices, calling for adherence to the Supreme Court’s 11-judge bench ruling (T.M.A. Pai) to ensure fair and transparent educational policies.

President Showkat Chowdhary voiced optimism, stating that with Minister Itoo’s leadership, substantial improvements could be achieved to strengthen the private education sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the meeting, the JK Unaided Private School Association convened a general body session with its members to discuss the outcomes. President Chowdhary, along with the executive committee, provided a detailed briefing on the issues raised, the minister’s commitments, and the next steps. This gathering reinforced the Association’s commitment to transparency and collective action, ensuring that all stakeholders in the private education community stay informed and engaged in the push for essential reforms, the statement added.