Jammu Kashmir Private Schools Seek Academic Autonomy Safeguards | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Private Schools’ Association of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday called on authorities to protect the academic autonomy of private institutions, warning that regulatory delays and inconsistent directives could disrupt the academic calendar across Jammu and Kashmir.

At a meeting chaired by its president, Baba Nazur-ul-Islam, the Association expressed concern that the Apex Committee tasked by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to review private school autonomy had yet to convene despite a 30-day mandate. The PSAJK urged immediate engagement with stakeholders and called for a clear regulatory checklist to avoid operational confusion.

The body welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir High Court’s recent directive that schools should be “regulated and not strangulated,” highlighting that excessive inspections, frequent circulars and abrupt programme changes disrupt learning time.

PSAJK also criticised certain district-level circulars, particularly in Doda, stating they conflict with established norms and previous decisions of senior education officials. It urged the review and withdrawal of any inconsistent directives.

On examinations, the Association said private schools cannot always mirror government date sheets due to differences in enrolment, class structures and internal planning. It recommended clear deadlines, such as the March 20 timeline, while allowing schools flexibility in scheduling within that timeframe.

The body welcomed capacity-building and teacher training initiatives by the District Institute of Education and Training Srinagar and District Institute of Education and Training Budgam, describing continuous professional development as essential to the education ecosystem.

PSAJK also sought equal recognition for private school teachers at official functions and proposed one to two hours weekly for newspaper and magazine reading to improve student habits and critical thinking. Highlighting that private schools educate nearly 50 per cent of JK students, the Association urged authorities to ensure a stable, transparent and autonomy-driven academic environment through structured dialogue and collaborative policymaking.