PSAJK urges new Govt to ensure change in academic session

Srinagar, Oct 18: The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) extended its heartfelt congratulations to Omar Abdullah on his appointment as the new Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

The PSAJK also congratulated Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Sakeena Itoo for being entrusted with the important portfolios of Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare, and the other Cabinet Ministers.

G N Var, President of PSAJK, along with the Executive Body—including Vice-President Manzoor Ahmad Rather, General Secretary Faisal Islam Mir, Chief Organiser Shah Gulzar, Divisional Organisers Abdul Majeed Bhat, Muhammad Ashraf, Khurshid Bismil, and District Presidents Bilal Bhat (Srinagar), Muhammad Syed Wani (Anantnag), Waseem Siddique (Kulgam), Nazir Ahmad (Kupwara), Javeed Ahmad (Shopian), Nazrul Islam (Budgam), Bashir Ahmad (Ganderbal), Wahid Banday (Poonch), and Shafiq-ul-Islam (Ramban)—have expressed optimism that the new government will take bold steps to resolve the pressing challenges faced by the education sector in the region. PSAJK believes that strong leadership is vital for bringing about meaningful reforms in education, which is a cornerstone of societal progress.

“We are hopeful that the new government, under the leadership of Omar Abdullah and the dynamic expertise of Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, will address the long-standing issues that have hindered the growth of the private education sector in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Var.

The private education sector in Jammu and Kashmir faces persistent challenges due to cumbersome regulations and bureaucratic delays. Schools often struggle with timely approvals for expansions, upgrades to facilities, and other operational issues. PSAJK urges the government to streamline these processes, making it easier for private schools to function efficiently and effectively.

Among the burning issues that PSAJK hopes the new government will prioritize are the long-awaited session change from March to November, the abolition of unnecessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs), exemption of budget schools from obtaining Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) approval, land ownership issues, renewal of school registrations, and other related concerns. These hurdles have long hampered the smooth operation and growth of private schools in the region.

PSAJK and its leadership remain committed to working collaboratively with the government to address these challenges head-on. “We are ready to work hand-in-hand with the new government to ensure that the education system in Jammu and Kashmir becomes one of the best in the country. The future of our children depends on the actions we take today, and we hope this government will prioritize these issues,” said Var.