PSAJK hails J&K Government’s historic stakeholder engagement in pre-budget consultation

• Calls for key reforms to improve J&K’s private education sector

SRINAGAR: The Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, for convening an inclusive pre-budget meeting that actively involved all stakeholders, particularly from the education sector. This initiative marks a historic engagement, reminiscent of the progressive steps taken in 1951 when Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's government introduced the Jammu & Kashmir Education Act.

PSAJK President Dr. G N Var emphasized the significance of this collaborative approach "We must appreciate the J&K Government's initiative to include all stakeholders in the pre-budget meeting, especially concerning the private education sector. We thank the J&K government, led by Omar Abdullah, for this unprecedented move—the first of its kind since 1951, when Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's government introduced the J&K Education Act 1951."

During the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attentively listened to the genuine concerns presented by PSAJK, reflecting the government's serious commitment to fostering the growth of the private education sector and ensuring overall educational development in Jammu & Kashmir.

Historically, the Jammu & Kashmir Education Act of 1951, introduced by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, was a landmark and progressive piece of legislation. This was further strengthened by the J&K Education Act of 2002, which aimed to achieve universal elementary education and improve the development of private school education in the region.

However, in recent years, amendments to the J&K Education Act have posed significant challenges for private educational institutions. These changes have introduced unrealistic and illogical provisions that have not benefited the education sector in J&K. Instead, they have created additional burdens for the owners of these institutions, particularly through the imposition of various unnecessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

PSAJK urges the government to address key issues to strengthen J&K’s education sector including; Granting Registration and Recognition (R.R.) for all existing schools, irrespective of affiliation; Providing permanent registration for currently operational schools or extending it up to 10 years; Abolishing the PNIC, pollution certificate, and addressing other ongoing issues; Addressing the insufficient land issues faced by schools established decades ago in Jammu and Kashmir; Establishing a single-window system for school NOC applications; Ensuring representation in JKBOSE, FFRC, SCERT, and other government educational bodies.

Many of these institutions have been operating from decades—some even for over a century—providing education to children from economically week backgrounds, including those of laborers, salesmen, orphans, widows, low-income families, shopkeepers and various other marginalized groups. These low-fee, budget-friendly schools not only offer quality education but also provide employment opportunities to the unemployed youth of J&K, thereby significantly contributing to the local economy.

The private education sector serves as a vital employment generator, offering jobs to thousands of people across various roles, from drivers to teaching and non-teaching staff, while also contributing to the economy through board fees, taxes and utility fees.

Dr. Var concluded by expressing optimism about the future "This engagement demonstrates the J&K Government's seriousness, commitment, and sincerity towards the growth of the private education sector and the overall educational development of our region."