Jammu Kashmir Govt’s 215 Jamaat-Linked School Takeover, Minister Distances Herself from DC-Led Control

SRINAGAR: In a major development affecting the education sector, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday ordered the takeover of 215 schools affiliated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its affiliate, the Falah-i-Aam Trust (FAT), citing adverse reports from intelligence agencies and the expiry of their managing committees. The move has sparked controversy within the government itself, with Education Minister Sakina Itoo claiming her directions were misinterpreted in the official order.

According to the order issued by the School Education Department, the managing committees of these schools “have been reported adversely upon by the intelligence agencies” and their validity had expired. The order invoked provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Rules, 2010, directing Deputy Commissioners and District Magistrates to immediately take charge of the schools’ management. Fresh committees will be constituted after verification.

Officials said the decision was taken to safeguard the academic future of thousands of students studying in these schools, many of which are spread across ten districts of Kashmir. “He [the concerned DC] shall also take all necessary measures to ensure quality education as per NEP norms in these schools,” the order stated.

The action follows the Ministry of Home Affairs’ ban on Jamaat-e-Islami in February 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, a ban that was extended again in 2024. Intelligence verification had reportedly found 221 schools linked directly or indirectly with JeI and FAT, of which around 50 were cleared, while 215 were flagged adversely.

Education Minister Sakina Itoo, however, expressed dismay over how the order was worded. Speaking to local news gatherer KNO , she said her proposal was to entrust the temporary charge of these schools to principals of nearby government institutions for a period of three months until new managing bodies were put in place.

“These schools were facing issues in registration and the future of over 51,000 students was at stake. I had mentioned in my order that these schools be looked after by the principals of the nearest government schools,” she said. “The secretary has wrongly mentioned in the order that these schools be taken over by the deputy commissioners. The order that has been issued is not exactly what I had written.”

She added that she had even approved the list of principals who were to function as in-charge heads of these schools.

The decision triggered a sharp political response. People’s Conference chairman and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, accused the Omar Abdullah-led government of “forcibly taking over” the schools and betraying its own rhetoric.

215 schools forcibly taken over by the J and K Government. And no prizes for guessing. The elected government has passed the order.
Shame and shamelessness have assumed new meanings in this government. They are setting new standards in servility. And just to recall the sermons…

— Sajad Lone (@sajadlone) August 22, 2025

“215 schools forcibly taken over by the Jammu and Kashmir Government. And no prizes for guessing. The elected government has passed the order,” Lone posted on X. “Shame and shamelessness have assumed new meanings in this government. They are setting new standards in servility.”

Lone recalled how the National Conference had once sermonised against its political opponents but was now “equal partners” in controversial actions. “Be it mailings or termination of employees, they are equal partners. They have been equal partners in the past. And they will be equal partners in the future. This is the A team. This was always the A team,” he said.

The FAT schools, long known for imparting both Islamic and modern education under the state syllabus, have a significant presence in towns and villages across Kashmir. After Jamaat’s ban, the schools had faced repeated scrutiny, with many barred from admitting new students since 2022. Parents and alumni have voiced concerns that the sudden takeover could disrupt studies, while officials insist the move is meant to ensure continuity.

The government has reiterated that no student’s education will be hampered and that academic activities will continue under the supervision of designated authorities until new managing bodies are put in place.

While the order seeks to bring the schools under regulatory oversight and align them with National Education Policy (NEP) norms, the political row around the decision underscores the sensitivities involved in dealing with institutions linked to Jamaat-e-Islami, an organisation banned over alleged support for militancy.