PSA welcomes Govt’s positive approach towards private education sector

SRINAGAR: The Private Schools’ Association (PSA) today convened an important meeting at its head office in Srinagar, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the private education sector through constructive dialogue with the government, institutional reforms and collaborative engagement with all stakeholders, including parents, students and civil society. The Association emphasized that addressing the long-pending issues of private schools, particularly budget institutions, remains its top priority.

PSA welcomed the recent progressive legislative developments concerning the education sector and expressed gratitude to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly Hon’ble J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, for their supportive approach towards addressing the concerns of private educational institutions. The Association noted that positive policy initiatives will contribute to strengthening the academic ecosystem and expanding quality educational opportunities for students across the Jammu & Kashmir.

PSA President Bilal Ahmad Bhat said, “Our foremost responsibility is to address the genuine issues faced by private schools, particularly budget institutions that serve a large section of society. We are grateful to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir for adopting a positive approach towards education sector reforms. We believe that rational policies, proportionate compliance mechanisms, and a supportive regulatory framework will enable schools to function effectively and ultimately benefit students.”

Bhat highlighted that private schools, especially budget educational institutions catering to low income and economically weaker sections (EWS), are currently facing multiple regulatory and financial challenges. These include issues related to recognition processes, PNIC requirements, different NOCs, Land Issues, Municipality related charges, commercial taxation and other diffent compliance issues that often do not differentiate between large institutions and small budget schools with limited enrolment and resources.

The PSA President emphasized the need for a rational and equitable regulatory framework where fees, compliance requirements and institutional obligations are proportionate to the capacity, enrolment strength and financial structure of schools. The Association stressed that the uniform application of regulatory charges on both small and large schools creates structural imbalance and places an unnecessary burden on budget institutions serving marginalized communities.

PSA also reiterated its demand for a streamlined Single Window Clearance System for mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and regulatory approvals. The Association stated that the current system requires schools to approach multiple departments repeatedly, resulting in administrative delays. A single-window system would enhance transparency, reduce procedural hurdles and allow schools to focus more effectively on academic quality and student development.

PSA General Secretary Mohammad Syed Wani stated, “The Association has consistently advocated for a structured and transparent system, including an independent election mechanism to ensure institutional credibility and trust among member schools. We urge all stakeholders to maintain unity and refrain from participating in any unauthorized activities being conducted in the name of so-called elections. PSA remains fully committed to democratic norms, due process, and institutional integrity.”

Wani further added that when representatives of PSA contacted members of the Election Commission, including former Director Education Kashmir Rafiq Ahmad Sahab and other members, they clearly stated that they had neither been taken into confidence nor had any prior knowledge regarding any election reportedly being conducted today in Srinagar and other districts of Kashmir Division.

Clarifying the Association’s position on the election process, Syed Wani stated that PSA is committed to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections through an independent Election Commission already constituted with credible and widely respected personalities. However, he expressed serious concern over certain unauthorized and misleading activities being carried out in the name of elections in some districts areas without the knowledge or approval of the officially designated election body.

Wani further highlighted that another major concern relates to the issue of land regularization of schools operating on state land or other categories of Govt. land. He stated that the government has shown a positive approach by extending timelines and indicating willingness towards a one-time settlement mechanism, which would ensure long-term stability for institutions and prevent disruption in the academic future of thousands of students.

He reiterated that PSA believes in transparency, collective consultation and a credible democratic process and that any attempt to create confusion among schools through parallel or unverified claims of elections is not in the larger interest of the education community. The Association appealed to all member schools to remain patient and cooperate with the officially mandated Election Commission so that a legitimate and representative body can be formed through a proper and mutually agreed roadmap.

PRO B.A. Shah said, “PSA remains open to constructive feedback from schools and the community members. Any concerns regarding fee regulation or institutional practices can be formally communicated to the Association office, where they will be addressed through proper mechanisms. Our objective is to maintain trust, transparency and coordination among all stakeholders.”

PSA District President Budgam Owais Ahmad said, “The Private Schools’ Association remains committed to addressing the genuine concerns of schools at the grassroots level, particularly budget institutions that play a crucial role in providing affordable education to a large section of society. We believe that constructive coordination with the government, balanced regulatory policies and institutional unity are essential to ensure stability in the education sector. Our priority is to safeguard the academic interests of students while supporting schools in overcoming administrative and structural challenges through dialogue and positive engagement.”

Finance Secretary Hilal Ahmad Khan said, “Financial sustainability of schools, especially budget schools, requires a balanced regulatory approach. Commercial taxation and compliance costs should take into account the enrolment capacity and financial strength of institutions. We will continue to engage with the government to ensure fair policy implementation.”

Publicity Secretary Dr. Waseem Siddique said, “The education sector requires collaborative participation from all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, institutions and the government. PSA believes in constructive dialogue and policy advocacy to create an enabling academic environment that supports innovation, research and quality education.”

Joint Secretary Dr. Yasir Ramzan stated, “The demand for a Single Window Clearance System is aimed at reducing administrative complexities and improving efficiency in institutional approvals. Streamlining regulatory procedures will help schools focus on their core objective of delivering quality education to students.”

PSA urged all member schools to refrain from participating in any unauthorized processes and assured that a proper democratic mechanism will be followed as per the established roadmap.

The Association further reiterated that education is a social responsibility rather than a political platform. PSA emphasized that parents, schools, teachers and the government must work collectively to ensure the holistic development of students. The Association called for an end to blame-oriented narratives and stressed the importance of unity among stakeholders to safeguard the future of children and promote a stable educational environment.

The Association also informed that any grievances or institutional functioning should be brought to the notice of the Association office, where appropriate mechanisms are in place to examine genuine concerns. The Association reassured the public that private schools operate within Govt. regulatory norms and are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability.

PSA reiterated that the future of society depends upon the quality of education imparted to students. The Association called upon all stakeholders to work collectively in strengthening the Better quality education system and ensuring that children receive opportunities for academic growth, innovation and holistic development.