JAMMU: In a significant development for the private education sector, a high-level review meeting of the Apex Committee was held at the Directorate in Jammu this afternoon to deliberate upon procedural reforms concerning affiliation, recognition, and renewal of private schools across Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting assumes importance in light of recent engagements with the government, representations made at various levels, and the aftermath of the Division Bench judgment that emphasized regulation without strangulation.
The Private Schools Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) delegation was led by its President Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam, accompanied by Mr. Manhas, President Coordination Committee, and Mr. Ajay Gupta, President JKPSA Jammu. Representatives from a galaxy of institutions affiliated to CBSE, IB, and ICSE boards were also present.
The deliberations focused on long-pending bottlenecks faced by private institutions, particularly procedural hurdles in:
Affiliation and recognition renewals
PNIC and lease deed issues
Multiplicity of NoCs from various departments
Standardization of procedural codes
All major concerns were discussed threadbare and are expected to be incorporated into the official recommendations to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting comes in the backdrop of continuous dialogue between stakeholders and the government, including interactions with the Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakina Itoo, who have shown willingness to review and streamline the functioning of private schools in the Union Territory.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nazrul Islam emphasized that the private sector is a key knowledge partner in the educational landscape of J&K and deserves procedural clarity and administrative ease to continue delivering quality education.
He expressed hope that in the coming months, comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be issued to ensure transparency, accountability, and ease of working for private institutions.
The Apex Committee’s maiden structured deliberation on these issues signals a collaborative approach toward acknowledging and strengthening the contribution of private schools in the educational rubric of Jammu & Kashmir.
Further policy directions are expected following continued consultations at the highest levels.