J&K High Court’s private school land order is a welcome move. However, schools have responsibilities to fulfill

11 August 2024

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The recent order by the Jammu & Kashmir High Court proposing a state land exchange mechanism to allow private schools to continue their operations on community and government lands marks a significant and welcome development for the education sector in J&K. This decision has come as a sigh of relief for thousands of students whose academic futures were hanging in the balance, and it presents an opportunity for both the government and private schools to collaborate in promoting a better educational environment in J&K.

The Private Schools Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) has rightly welcomed the High Court’s decision, terming it a “saviour” for the students who would have otherwise faced the prospect of disrupted education. This move ensures that private schools operating on Kahcharie, Shamilat, and state lands are granted a reprieve, allowing them to continue functioning while they work towards securing proprietary land or engaging in a land exchange process. It also offers private schools a structured and legal pathway to resolve land disputes, ensuring that their operations remain uninterrupted.

While this decision is undoubtedly a positive step, it also brings to the fore the pressing need for private schools in Jammu & Kashmir to significantly improve their infrastructure and quality of education. Most private schools, like the public schools, today are out of sync with the needs of the present times. These schools have to do much more than delivering a structured education model with a traditional approach. In today’s hyper information and communication era, the learning, developmental and psychological needs of school children are much more complex than even, let us say, ten to twenty years ago. J&K’s private schools, generally speaking, are yet to come to terms with those needs.

While some private schools have set good quality benckmarks, many private schools, particularly those with higher revenues, must prioritize creating a conducive learning environment for students. The region’s harsh winters and hot summers make it imperative for schools to invest in proper heating and cooling systems. It is inconceivable that schools that have significant revenues and profits do not invest in proper facilities for their students. It is no longer acceptable for students to endure extreme temperatures, which often hinder their ability to concentrate and learn effectively.

Additionally, private schools must focus on providing safe drinking water and maintaining healthy food canteens within their premises. Barring a few exceptions, these facilities are not available in most schools, which is unfathomable. The availability of clean water is a basic necessity, and schools should be vigilant in ensuring that students have access to it throughout the day. Similarly, canteens should offer nutritious food options that cater to the dietary needs of children, promoting their overall well-being. The presence of junk food and sugary snacks in school canteens should be minimized, as they contribute to unhealthy eating habits and can negatively impact students’ health and academic performance.

Another critical aspect that requires urgent attention is the quality of education provided in these private institutions. To achieve this, schools must invest in hiring and retaining qualified teachers who are passionate about their profession. Better remuneration packages for teachers are essential for motivating them to deliver high-quality education. When teachers are adequately compensated, they are more likely to remain committed to their roles, engage in continuous professional development, and bring innovative teaching methods into the classroom. It is sad that even the schools with high revenues and profits pay peanuts to their teaching and non-teaching staff.

Similarly, the outdated practice of using blackboards and chalk in in some schools needs to be phased out. The dust generated by chalk can cause respiratory issues and other health problems, both for teachers and students. Schools should transition to modern teaching tools, such as whiteboards, smart boards, and digital projectors, which enhance the learning experience and align with contemporary educational practices.

The latest J&K High Court order offers a unique opportunity for private schools and the government to work together towards a shared goal: the betterment of education in Jammu & Kashmir. The proposed land exchange mechanism should be seen as the beginning of a broader dialogue between the government and private educational institutions. This dialogue must focus on creating a regulatory framework that encourages private schools to also upgrade their facilities and adhere to high standards of education and infrastructure.

Private schools, especially those generating significant revenue, must recognize their responsibility towards their students and the broader community. The government, on its part, should offer support and incentives to schools that demonstrate a commitment to improving their infrastructure and educational offerings.