PSAJK calls for long-term, transparent reforms in education sector

Srinagar, Nov 25: The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) on Tuesday urged the government to undertake long-term, transparent reforms in the education sector, stressing that sustainable solutions were needed to stabilise the system.

The appeal comes days after JKBOSE inspection teams suspended the affiliation of four private schools and penalised eight others for prescribing overpriced textbooks.

Addressing media persons in Srinagar, PSAJK President Nazrul Islam Baba said private schools must be recognised as “knowledge partners,” noting that they have educated lakhs of students for decades and played an important role in maintaining peace in J&K.

He said the private sector currently educates more than 13 lakh students, yet does not receive the respect or treatment it deserves.

“Private education is a reality. It is like an elephant in the room — everyone sees it, but few acknowledge it,” he said.

Baba said this was the right time to review and overhaul the system instead of engaging in selective action over textbooks.

“NEP-2020 is not only about books; it is about holistic development. We want systematic measures, stable regulations and community-friendly SoPs for private schools,” he said.

He called for rules that are system-oriented rather than event-driven, pointing out that NEP-2020 also recommends a statutory body to regulate both government and private schools.

“In education, players are from both sectors, but the umpires judging private schools come only from the government sector,” he said.

The PSAJK president said private schools should be supported, not pushed to the wall, and called for academic autonomy so schools can choose appropriate curricula.

Comparing textbooks, he said NCERT books are significantly cheaper than JKBOSE publications.

“NCERT Mathematics costs Rs 65, but the same JKBOSE book is Rs 195. NCERT Science costs Rs 65, while the JKBOSE version is Rs 78,” he said.

PSAJK demanded that private schools be allowed to directly adopt NCERT textbooks and called for a major upgrade in JKBOSE books to meet national and international standards, backed by adequate funding.

He urged the government to constitute an expert committee to finalise publishers whose books may be recommended in private schools.

“The government must adopt a supportive, development-oriented model focusing on capacity building, digital integration and academic excellence in both government and private schools,” he said.

Baba said private schools are major stakeholders and can work closely with the government for reforms, provided they are granted academic freedom and long-term stability.

“We must work together to build a progressive, modern and knowledge-driven education ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.