SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Un-Aided Private School Association (JKUPSA) submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, addressing several pressing issues affecting private educational institutions across the region.The memorandum underscored key concerns, particularly the association's call to adhere to the Supreme Court's directive mandating only three No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for school registration or renewal.

This initiative seeks to streamline procedures, minimize delays, and eliminate unnecessary departmental hurdles.JKUPSA proposed empowering the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) to regulate fees below â‚č2000 per month. This adjustment would ease the financial strain on smaller schools, ensuring procedural delays do not compromise their operations.

The association underscored the importance of aligning fee regulation policies with the principles of the T.M.A. Pai judgment to ensure fairness and transparency.JKUPSA expressed concerns over the mandatory use of JKBOSE-recommended textbooks, urging the government to allow schools the autonomy to select books that align with their curriculum and standards.The association highlighted delays in JKBOSE registration renewals caused by pending NOCs and procedural inefficiencies.

They called for the elimination of penalties of up to â‚č10,000, describing them as unjust. JKUPSA urged for a streamlined renewal process to avoid such fines.The memorandum recommended extending the validity of private school registrations to at least ten years. This move would reduce the frequency of renewal processes, enabling schools to focus more on delivering quality education.JKUPSA also appreciated the timely intervention of the J&K Education Minister, Sakeena Itoo, regarding the one-time exemption for registration under the September 19, 2024, order, which addressed several challenges faced by private schools.In response, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured the delegation of his government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.

He pledged to implement measures to support the private education sector in J&K, ensuring its smooth functioning.The delegation was led by Showkat Chowdhary, President of JKUPSA, who expressed optimism about the government’s positive response. Several notable personalities, including Professor Chuni Lal Vishan, Rauf Ahmad Zargar, Faisal Aga, Iqbal Hanief Beg, and Syed Akhter Hussain, were also present during the meeting, voicing their support for the association's demands.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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