Calls for permanent Apex Body, increased instructional days to address educational challenges in UT
Srinagar: A delegation of the Private Schools Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), representing institutions from both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on October 24, 2025 to discuss key structural challenges faced by private educational institutions in the Union Territory.
The delegation members included Mr. Shafiq-ul-Islam Wani, Divisional Vice President, Jammu Division; Mr. Hafizullah Khurwani, President Chenab Valley; Mr. O. P. Chandial, District President PSAJK, District Doda; Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Wani, chairman Green Valley Educational Institute; Ms. Baseema Anayat, Chairperson SRM Welkin School, Sopore; Mr. Nazir Ahmad Malik, ex-President Executive Member, PSAJK and Mr. Shahnawaz Shafi Chairman Spring Buds School Ompora , PSAJK, the Association said in a statement issued here.
Key highlights of the meeting
President PSAJK, Mr. Nazrul Islam Baba, put forth the concerns of private educational institutions with great clarity and depth. A detailed written representation was submitted to the Chief Minister, pressing for structural reforms and institutionalized engagement between the Government and the private education sector.
A principal demand of the association was the formation of a permanent Apex Body comprising senior government officials along with PSAJK representatives to ensure participatory decision-making on matters concerning private schools.
The Chief Minister principally agreed to the creation of the Apex Body, assured due representation of PSAJK, and affirmed that no major policy decision affecting private schools will henceforth be taken unilaterally, the statement said.
Workshop held in continuation
In the backdrop of the positive assurances received from the Chief Minister, a one-day workshop was held on Sunday with the participation of incumbent and former district presidents of PSAJK, along with senior educationists from across Jammu & Kashmir.
The primary focus of the workshop was aligning J&K’s academic system with national standards, especially concerning academic working days and instructional hours.
A detailed PowerPoint presentation was showcased before the media, demonstrating how:
J&K students face a hidden loss of learning time caused by fewer working days per year and shorter instructional hours per day which cumulatively place students of the UT at an academic disadvantage compared to other states of India.
These time losses often remain administratively invisible yet produce deep academic setbacks over years.
Participants unanimously emphasized the need for policy-level protection of instructional time and the restoration of parity with national frameworks.
The workshop concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to pursue systemic reforms ensuring increased academic working days, enhanced instructional hours, and structural parity with national benchmarks.
A comprehensive memorandum incorporating the recommendations emerging from the workshop will shortly be submitted to the concerned authorities.