Srinagar, Dec 25: Education Minister Sakina Itoo is set to convene a meeting with representatives of private school associations at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, on Friday to discuss issues related to the functioning of private schools across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting comes amid growing complaints against private schools over alleged profiteering, including concerns raised by parents about high fees and the sale of costly textbooks. The deliberations are expected to cover a wide range of issues affecting private education in the Union Territory.
Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Itoo said the government regularly receives complaints against private schools, and the meeting would provide a platform to hear all sides. “We will listen to the issues and grievances of private schools, but at the same time, we will also hear the concerns of parents. The objective is to streamline the functioning of these institutions,” she said.
Private schools have recently come under scrutiny after some institutions prescribed textbooks published by private publishers, allegedly sold at exorbitant rates. The move drew criticism as the government has mandated all private schools affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) to adopt NCERT textbooks for all classes.
“Private schools claim to provide quality education, yet parents continue to raise concerns. These issues will be deliberated in detail to see how the system can be improved,” the minister said.
According to an official communication, the meeting will be attended by the Secretary, School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma; Chairman JKBOSE; Project Director Samagra Shiksha; Directors of School Education Jammu and Kashmir; Secretary JKBOSE; Administrative Officer of the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee; and representatives of private school associations from both divisions. Officials have been directed to ensure the participation of representatives from Jammu in person and from Kashmir through virtual mode.
President of the Private School Association J&K (PSAJK), Nazrul Islam Baba, said the association has prepared a common set of issues to place before the minister. He said PSAJK would raise concerns about the State School Standards Authority (SSSA), which, according to him, applies to government schools as well, not just private institutions.
Baba said the association would also seek simplification of the recognition process for private schools and reduction in the number of No Objection Certificates required, on the lines of the CBSE system. He added that PSAJK would propose the establishment of training institutes for elementary-level teachers of both government and private schools, in collaboration with the association.
“We will also propose the creation of knowledge parks to make Jammu and Kashmir a knowledge hub,” he said, adding that the association would press for easing regulatory hurdles while maintaining educational quality.
On the textbook issue, Baba said parents’ concerns must be addressed. “We support the government’s decision to cap textbook prices, but quality of education should not be compromised,” he said.