Srinagar, Dec 1 — The Private Schools’ Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) on Monday held a crucial statewide meeting in Srinagar, where key decisions were taken to streamline its internal functioning and pave the way for transparent elections across all levels of the organisation.
The meeting was chaired by PSAJK State Vice-President Manzoor Ahmad Rather and attended by representatives from districts across Kashmir. Members from Pir Panchal and Chenab Valley regions of Jammu Province participated through video conference, ensuring full geographical representation.
A central focus of the meeting was the finalisation of a democratic, transparent and time-bound election framework for the Association.
After extensive deliberations, members unanimously resolved to constitute a Committee to oversee the upcoming PSAJK elections. The committee will be headed by Khursheed Bismal, Chairman of PSAJK Pir Panchal & Chenab Valley Region, who joined the meeting online.
Bismal, while accepting the responsibility, said the private schooling sector was facing urgent challenges and required a united and democratically functioning umbrella body. He has been tasked with establishing an independent Election Commission within two weeks.
Shakir Rasool, Executive Member from Anantnag, was appointed as the Committee Coordinator. The new body will ensure that elections are held in a free, fair and transparent manner at the zonal, district and state levels.
Founder G. N. Var Conferred ‘Lifetime Chairman’ Title
In a significant and unanimously passed resolution, members recognised the longstanding contributions of PSAJK Founder and former President G. N. Var, conferring upon him the title of “Lifetime Chairman of PSAJK.”
Members noted that the Association had faced organisational challenges since Var stepped back from active responsibilities. His guidance, institutional vision and decades of service, they said, were essential for restoring unity and rebuilding organisational strength.
A grand felicitation ceremony will soon be organised where Dr. G. N. Var will be formally honoured in the presence of senior leaders, educators and stakeholders.
PSAJK State Vice-President Manzoor Ahmad said the resolutions reflected the collective will of members across J&K.
“Our priority is to restore democratic functioning and strengthen institutional processes. The independent Election Committee marks a new beginning for accountability and transparency within PSAJK,” he said.
District President Srinagar Bilal Ahmad said the decisions were in line with longstanding demands for structural reforms.
“We believe G. N. Var’s guidance and the committee’s mandate will help restore trust and streamline the association’s functioning,” he noted.
District President Anantnag Mohammad Syed said the meeting had brought “renewed hope and unity.”
“With transparent elections, PSAJK will emerge stronger and better equipped to address the challenges faced by our schools and students,” he said.
Other members echoed similar sentiments, stating that the unanimous decisions demonstrated a unified vision for strengthening the private education sector across Jammu & Kashmir.
The leadership reaffirmed commitment to work with “honesty, integrity and collective responsibility” for the welfare of private schools, teachers, students and the broader education ecosystem.
