SRINAGAR:  PDF President and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Sunday strongly criticised the government’s recent decision to take over 215 schools previously managed by the Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT), terming it as “injustice with children and an assault on the educational future of thousands of Kashmiri students.”

Yaseen said that while every citizen stands committed to safeguarding national security, such arbitrary decisions that directly jeopardize the future of children are totally unacceptable.  "This is an injustice to the thousands of children enrolled in these schools. The government should immediately withdraw this order in the larger interest of the students,” he stressed.

He pointed out that the move will impact the academic journey of over 50,000 children and create an atmosphere of uncertainty at a time when the focus should be on improving literacy rates and modernising education infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. “People may not support anyone acting against national security, but no one can accept decisions that target innocent students. Whenever the future of our children is at stake, it is unacceptable,” Yaseen said, urging the administration to reconsider and roll back the directive without delay.

The School Education Department had recently ordered that District Magistrates assume control of these schools, assigning principals from nearby government institutions to manage them temporarily until new committees are constituted after “verification.” This, Yaseen cautioned, will only disturb the established academic environment and demoralise students and parents alike.

Calling the decision “short-sighted and counterproductive,” Yaseen said such steps risk repeating the mistakes of the past and eroding the educational foundations of the younger generation. He emphasised that rather than dismantling existing educational setups, the government should focus on strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving quality of teaching, and ensuring transparency in school functioning.

“At a time when our youth need guidance, modern skills, and hope for a brighter tomorrow, the government should be investing in building capacity and confidence, not demolishing institutions that have shaped thousands of lives,” Yaseen said.

PDF President reiterated his demand that the government immediately revoke the order and instead engage stakeholders, including parents and civil society, to find constructive solutions that safeguard both national interests and the academic well-being of Kashmiri children.

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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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