Kashmir Private Schools’ Body Voices Concern Over Education Minister’s Remarks | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Private Schools’ Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) on Monday expressed concern over remarks made by JK Education Minister Sakeena Itoo during a recent media interview, saying the statements had caused disappointment among stakeholders in the private education sector across the Union Territory.

In a press statement, PSAJK president Baba Nazrul Islam said that while the association appreciates several constructive steps taken by the government in the past, the tone and content of the minister’s recent remarks were disappointing for the private education fraternity.

Referring to the interview, he said that questioning the role and expertise of teachers working in private schools had hurt the sentiments of thousands of educators serving in these institutions.

“While we acknowledge many constructive decisions taken by the Education Minister earlier, the remarks made in the recent interview questioning the role and expertise of private school teachers are disheartening for thousands of committed educators serving in private institutions,” he said.

Nazrul Islam said private schools in Jammu and Kashmir should not be viewed as being in opposition to the government but rather as partners contributing to the development of the region’s education sector.

“Private schools are knowledge partners of the government and have been contributing significantly to the education sector of Jammu and Kashmir for decades,” he said.

He also pointed out that a double bench of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court had recently acknowledged the role and significance of private educational institutions in the Union Territory’s educational framework.

Highlighting the dedication of teachers working in private schools, Nazrul Islam said their commitment is reflected in the consistent academic performance of students in board and competitive examinations.

“The success of our students and the continued trust of parents demonstrate the professionalism, dedication and hard work of teachers serving in private schools across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

The PSAJK president noted that more than half of the student population in Jammu and Kashmir is currently studying in private institutions, which, he said, reflects the trust of society in the sector.

Expressing concern over delays in addressing issues faced by private schools, he said the Apex Committee constituted to examine their concerns was expected to submit its report within one month. However, more than two months later, no meeting of the committee has been convened.

“Such delays raise serious concerns among stakeholders regarding the commitment to resolving the genuine issues faced by private schools,” he said.

Nazrul Islam reiterated that private institutions are not competing with the government but are supporting its responsibility of providing quality education.

“Building educational infrastructure and expanding capacity to accommodate the growing student population is a shared responsibility. Private institutions have been fulfilling this role effectively for decades,” he said.

He added that private schools have ensured continuity of education in the region even during difficult and uncertain times.

Nazrul Islam expressed hope that the minister and the government would recognise the private sector as an important stakeholder and engage in constructive dialogue to strengthen the education system in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said cooperation, mutual respect and partnership between the government and private institutions were essential for shaping the future of the youth and for transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a centre of academic excellence.