PSA raises key policy concerns in J&K Education sector, reaffirms commitment to quality education

• Appeals for urgent government support & comprehensive reforms in private education sector

SRINAGAR: The Private Schools Association (PSA) today organized an important press conference held in Srinagar to address several pressing issues concerning the private education sector in Jammu & Kashmir, while strongly reaffirming its unwavering commitment to quality education and student welfare across J&K.

During the press interaction, the Association highlighted a range of administrative and policy-level challenges currently affecting private schools and urged the Jammu & Kashmir Government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Health & Education Minister Ms. Sakeena Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Secretary Education Ram Niwas Sharma, FFRC Chairman and the Chairman JKBOSE, as well as the Directors of School Education for both Kashmir and Jammu, to take immediate and constructive steps toward their resolution.

The press conference was attended by senior leadership and district representatives of the Association, including: G.N. Var – Founding President, Chief Patron & Lifetime Chairman; Bilal Ahmad Bhat – President; Manzoor Ahmad – Senior Vice President & Spokesperson; M.S. Wani – General Secretary; Adv. Ghulam Hassan Rather - Vice President Kashmir Division,

Dr. Yasir Ramzan – Joint Secretary; Hilal Ahmad Khan – Treasurer; Dr. Owais Mattoo – Director, Media & Communications; Bashir Ahmad Shah (B.A. Shah) – Public Relations Officer (PRO).

District Representatives: Kupwara – Mushtaq Shaheen; Pulwama – Dr. Sheikh Arshid Ahmad; Srinagar – Adil Habeeb; Baramulla – Aadil Ahmad; Ganderbal – Sheikh Javed Saadat; Shopian – Mohammad Amin Alie, along with various other members and stakeholders of the Association.

The Association formally placed the following demands before the Government: immediate easing and streamlining of school registration and renewal processes; early resolution of long-pending PNIC-related issues; introduction of a single-window clearance system for obtaining various No Objection Certificates (NOCs); priority-based resolution of land-related issues faced by private schools; extension of school registration validity from 5 years to 10 years; provision of adequate time and a practical framework regarding the ban and replacement of school transport (vans) to safeguard the interests of parents and students and formal recognition of private schools as knowledge partners in the J&K private education sector.

Speaking on the occasion, PSA representatives reiterated that private schools in J&K continue to play a vital role in delivering high-quality, student-centric education, while also promoting holistic development among learners.

The PSA Spokesperson stated, “Our priority is to ensure that every child receives quality education in a safe and nurturing environment. It is equally important that the role of private schools is acknowledged and supported through constructive policy engagement.”

PSA emphasized that it remains the sole legitimate and representative body of private schools in Jammu & Kashmir, advocating for the collective interests of the sector while ensuring alignment with educational standards and student welfare.

The Spokesperson further added, “We urge all member schools to remain united under a single platform. Respect and mutual understanding must guide our collective efforts. The strength of this Association lies in its unity and values.”