Govt ‘takes over’ management committee of 215 FAT-affiliated schools

Srinagar, Aug 22: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the takeover of the management committees of 215 schools affiliated with the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its affiliate Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT).

The order in this regard was issued by Secretary, School Education Department (SED) Ram Niwas Paswan on Friday with reference to the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government  of India.

The MHA notifications were issued vide SO 1069 (E) dated February 28, 2019, and further vide Notification SO 924(E) dated  February 27, 2024, issued under sub-section (1) of section (3) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,  1967 (37  of 1967) wherein Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), Jammu and Kashmir was declared as an unlawful association.

“The Intelligence Agencies have identified a number of schools which were found to be directly or indirectly affiliated with proscribed organisation Jamat-e-Islami (JeI) and Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT),” the SED order reads.

The order reads that the validity of the Managing Committee of 215 such schools has expired and have been reported adversely upon by the intelligence agencies.

The government has ordered to take over the management of these 215 schools “in order to safeguard the academic future of the students enrolled in these schools” in exercise of the powers conferred by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir through the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Rules 2010 notified vide SRO 123 of 2010 read with SRO 292 of 2018 and SO 177 of 2022.

“It is hereby ordered that the managing committee of the 215 schools shall be taken over by the District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner concerned, who shall propose a fresh managing committee in due course for the concerned schools after getting these duly verified,” the order reads.

As per the order, the concerned district magistrate or Deputy Commissioner, on taking over these schools, will take appropriate steps in consultation and in coordination with SED to ensure that the academic career of the students enrolled in these schools is not affected in any manner.

“The DCs shall also take all necessary measures to ensure quality education as per NEP norms in these schools,” the order reads.

These schools include 37 in Anantnag, six in Bandipora, 53 in Baramulla, 20 in Budgam, six in Ganderbal, 16 in Kulgam, 36 in Kupwara, 22 in Pulwama, 15 in Shopian, and four Schools in Srinagar.