Srinagar, April 12: The Private Schools Association (PSA) on Sunday announced its new central leadership through a unanimous electoral process, even as members raised concerns over delays in formal elections by an earlier ad-hoc committee.
At a widely attended gathering in Srinagar, the association elected its central body with consensus across districts and zones. The newly leadership includes Bilal Ahmad Bhat as President, Manzoor Ahmad Rather as Senior Vice President and Chief Spokesperson, Mohammad Syed Wani as General Secretary, Hilal Ahmad Khan as Secretary Finance, and Ghulam Hassan Rather and Shafiqul Islam Wani as Vice Presidents for Kashmir and Jammu provinces, respectively. Other key office bearers include Dr. Waseem Siddique (Publicity Secretary), Dr. Yasir Ramzan (Joint Secretary), and Dr. Owais Mattoo (Media Incharge), along with district presidents from across Kashmir.
The election process took place in the presence of the general body, with members asserting that the move was necessary to restore organisational clarity amid prolonged delays. Several speakers expressed concern that the ad-hoc committee, initially mandated for three months to conduct elections, had failed to do so even after more than six months, leading to uncertainty within the association.
Following the election of the new leadership, founding president G.N. Var was unanimously elected as the Chief Patron of the PSA, a decision that drew strong endorsement from members and participants.
The announcement coincided with a grand felicitation ceremony held in honour of Var, recognising his longstanding contributions to the private education sector in Jammu and Kashmir. He was accorded a warm स्वागत with garlands and bouquets, reflecting widespread respect for his leadership.
Addressing the gathering, Var expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of private educational institutions. “I will knock on every door, even at the highest levels, to ensure that the concerns of schools are addressed effectively,” he said, adding that he would continue to advocate for students, teachers and school staff.
The event also marked the inauguration of the PSA Central Office at Neelam Lane, Civil Secretariat Road, Srinagar, signalling a renewed push to strengthen institutional coordination and address sectoral challenges.
Speakers at the event highlighted the vacuum created during Var’s absence from active leadership and underscored the need for experienced guidance in navigating current challenges facing private schools.
Dr. Maroof Shah, Deputy Director Animal Husbandry and guest of honour, emphasised the role of private institutions in shaping society and called for sustainable income opportunities within the education sector, alongside welfare measures for staff and students.
Former Joint Director School Education Department Mehboob Hussain described Var’s contributions as “immense and unforgettable,” noting that his leadership had consistently strengthened institutional frameworks and stakeholder advocacy.
Prof. Najam-ud-Din Qazi, former Principal of Government College of Education, said strong leadership remains central to educational progress and credited Var for his vision, including advocacy on policy matters such as the Private University Bill.
PSA President Bilal Ahmad Bhat termed Var “an institution in himself,” stating that the unanimous decision reflected the collective will of the private school fraternity.
General Secretary Mohammad Syed Wani stressed the need for transparency and timely democratic processes within the association, urging stakeholders to ensure that election mechanisms are not delayed in the future.
Other office-bearers and district presidents reiterated their commitment to unity and institutional integrity, stating that the presence of representatives from across districts demonstrated cohesion within the PSA.
The event saw participation from education leaders, central body members, district presidents and zonal heads from across Kashmir, along with representatives from civil society. Khursheed Bismal, Chairman Chenab Valley, joined virtually.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by PRO B.A. Shah, who acknowledged the contributions of organisers, participants and the media.
Participants collectively emphasised the urgency of restoring robust democratic processes within the association while pledging to uphold the vision and legacy of Chief Patron G.N. Var in strengthening private education in the region.
