Association president Nazrul Islam Baba addresses key academic concerns
SRINAGAR: The Private Schools Association of Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK), led by its President Baba Nazrul Islam, on Tuesday held a major press conference in Srinagar to outline the urgent reforms needed to stabilise the education sector and safeguard the academic future of lakhs of students studying in private institutions across the Union Territory.
Speaking to the media, Nazrul Islam said the situation demands clarity, consistency and long-term planning, adding that private schools—being the backbone of J&K’s education system—must be supported through a predictable and transparent policy framework.
Key Highlights from the Press Conference
1. Streamlining JKBOSE Textbooks
The PSAJK President stressed the urgent need to upgrade JKBOSE textbooks in line with national and international academic standards providing board the funds to do so. Even using NCERT books which are updated as per NEP 2020 option to be used and let expert committee be framed to finalise the list of publishers recommended books from private players .Even the national and international circulumn sets from private players can be included in such recommendations which will be optional to parents
He emphasised that any reform must be transparent, consultative, scientifically designed and free from arbitrary decisions.
2. Independent Regulatory Body for Private Schools and Government schools
PSAJK called for the establishment of an autonomous, independent regulatory authority as recommended by NEP —free from political or bureaucratic interference—to ensure fair regulation and protect institutional rights and student choice or parent choice
3. Modernising the Appraisal of students to competency-based not rot learning.
Nazrul Islam criticised the outdated appraisal and inspection mechanisms, calling them punitive and fear-driven rot learning appraisal system.
He demanded a shift to a supportive, professional, development-oriented model that focuses on capacity building, digital integration and academic excellence.
4. Strengthening JKBOSE—Academically & Financially
The Association reiterated the need to strengthen JKBOSE by updating curriculum design, improving printing and paper quality, enhancing infrastructure, investing in expert committees and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
“A stronger JKBOSE means a stronger school ecosystem,” Islam remarked.
They should have handholding of schools in capacity building of all stakeholders.
5. End to Harassment & Witch-Hunting of Schools
The PSAJK president expressed strong concern over the pattern of arbitrary notices, investigations and undue pressure on private schools. He said institutions that have served society for decades must not be subjected to suspicion-based actions.
6. Withdrawal of Unjustified Penalties
PSAJK demanded immediate recall of penalties or actions taken without due justification and called for restoration of all pending or withheld affiliations. He said decisions affecting thousands of children require due process and broad consultation.
7. Stop Micro-Management of Private Schools and academic autonomy for private schools.
The Association urged the government to end excessive micro-management, stating that schools must be allowed operational and academic autonomy within broad regulatory norms.
8. A 30-Year Education Policy for J&K
Calling for long-term stability, Islam proposed a 30-year Education Policy covering infrastructure development, teacher training, curriculum diversification, technology integration, long-term assessment reforms, and financial sustainability.
This, he said, will shield the education system from abrupt policy shifts.
9. Establishing Knowledge Hubs & Innovation Ecosystem
PSAJK proposed transitioning from content-based teaching to a knowledge-driven model by creating district-level knowledge hubs, innovation labs, research and skill incubation centres
Learning Clusters across J&K
“These initiatives will prepare future innovators, creators and thinkers,” he said.
Baba Nazrul Islam reaffirmed PSAJK’s commitment to constructive engagement with the government, saying private schools are partners in nation-building and may be recognized as knowledge partners. He called for trust-building, academic freedom and long-term stability in the education sector, urging all stakeholders to work together to build a progressive, modern and knowledge-driven educational ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.