Srinagar: The Private Schools Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) has welcomed the J&K Budget 2025-26, presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the legislative assembly earlier this week. Lauding the government’s focus on education and social welfare, PSAJK President G.N. Var described the budget as a “visionary step” toward socio-economic development in the region.
In a statement issued to Ziraat Times today, G.N. Var praised the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector, highlighting the proposed establishment of a National Law University in Jammu and Kashmir. Terming it a “landmark initiative,” Var said the university, backed by an initial allocation of ₹50 crore, would provide quality legal education and empower students from across the Union Territory.
He further commended the ₹1,388.97 crore allocation for education, an increase of ₹242.75 crore over the previous fiscal. According to Var, this significant boost is expected to transform the educational landscape, improve infrastructure, and enhance student welfare. “The government’s decision to upgrade 40 higher secondary schools into integrated K-12 institutions marks an important step toward modernizing our education system,” he said.
Var also welcomed the focus on higher education, particularly improvements in degree colleges and the addition of 600 polytechnic seats aimed at expanding technical education and vocational training. “Such initiatives will open up diverse career opportunities for J&K’s youth,” he added.
At the same time, PSAJK drew attention to the long-pending issues facing the private education sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Var stressed the vital role private schools play in employing thousands of youth, from teaching and administrative staff to drivers, conductors, and IT professionals. He urged the government to prioritize addressing the sector’s concerns. “Private schools are major contributors to the region’s economy through taxes, fees, and other charges. Recognizing their role is essential for enhancing learning outcomes and ensuring economic stability,” Var noted.
Beyond education, PSAJK hailed the government’s social welfare measures, including the provision of 200 units of free electricity and 10 kg of free ration per month for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households. Var also appreciated the enhancement of the Marriage Assistance Scheme from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000, free public transport for women, and increased pensions under the Integrated Social Assistance Scheme (ISSS) and National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). He called these steps “progressive measures that will uplift vulnerable communities.”
While expressing satisfaction with the budget’s vision, PSAJK emphasized the need for effective implementation and monitoring. “Budgetary allocations must translate into on-ground improvements. We urge the government to ensure transparency and accountability in delivering these initiatives to the grassroots,” Var said.
