Srinagar, Aug 22 : The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department has issued a significant order to take over the management of 215 schools that are allegedly affiliated with the proscribed organization Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT).
The move aims to safeguard the academic future of thousands of students enrolled in these institutions.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had previously declared Jamaat-e-Islami, Jammu and Kashmir, an unlawful association.
Following this, intelligence agencies identified numerous schools either directly or indirectly linked to the organization. The government noted that the managing committees of these schools have either become defunct or were flagged by intelligence reports.
As such, their continued functioning under previous management posed a concern.
In response, the government has directed all concerned District Magistrates and Deputy Commissioners to take immediate control of these schools. Authorities have been instructed to form new managing committees after conducting due diligence and verification. Emphasis has been placed on ensuring that students’ academic progress is not hindered and that the quality of education continues in line with the National Education Policy (NEP).
These 215 schools are spread across various districts, including Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Shopian, and Srinagar. Prominent institutions in Anantnag include Hazrat Amir Kabir Memorial School Brakpora, Islamia Model School Akingam, and Green Land Public School Chandpora. Bandipora district schools such as Syed Kamal-Din Bukhari Public School and Islamia Model School Saderkote Bala are among those listed. Similarly, Baramulla features schools like Al-Huda Public School Binner and Hanfia Model Higher Secondary School Azad Gunj.
In Budgam, notable schools include Mehboob-ul-Allam Mission School Pahroo and Sheikh Ul Alam Islamic Model High School Nagam. Ganderbal lists institutions such as Sheikh Ul Aalam Public School Kangan and Shaheen Public School Manigam. Kulgam’s list includes Be-Be Sahiba English Medium School and Model Islamic Institute Buchroo. Kupwara district, with one of the highest numbers, has schools like Iqbal Memorial Public School Ashpora and Shaheen Public School Dahama.
Pulwama includes Evergreen Public School Lelhara, Holy Faith Model Institute Rakh Zahidbagh, and Al Huda Educational Institute Malangpora, among others. In Shopian, schools such as Central Public High School Chitargam and Crescent Public School Nagbal have been named. Lastly, in Srinagar, Ramzana Memorial Education Institute Soura and Shekh Hamza Public School Mujgund are included in the order.
The authorities have reiterated that the primary focus of this action is the continuation of quality education, the protection of students’ academic interests, and adherence to national educational standards. The reorganization and oversight by verified managing committees are expected to ensure transparency and accountability going forward.(KNS).
