Srinagar: Facing criticism from opposition parties over the government takeover of 215 schools linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday clarified that the move is temporary. The government will manage these schools only until new management committees are formed.
Urging political parties not to politicize the issue, Itoo emphasized that rules allow the government to oversee schools once the tenure of their managing committees expires. She added that if a new management committee is formed and receives CID verification, the schools will be handed over immediately.
The clarification follows backlash from political parties against the ruling National Conference (NC) government after an order issued late Friday by the School Education Department Secretary directed district magistrates to take over the schools and propose new management committees. The schools are run by JeI and its affiliate, Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT).
Itoo described the secretary’s order as “distorted” and clarified that it did not reflect the government’s proposal. She said the draft approved by her suggested that cluster principals oversee the schools temporarily, rather than deputy commissioners taking charge.
Explaining the need for the intervention, Itoo noted that the existing management committees had received negative CID verification six to eight years ago and their terms had expired. As a result, over 51,000 students faced difficulties during board examinations. The department decided that the nearest cluster principals would oversee the schools to ensure students’ education was not disrupted.
“The government has not banned or closed these schools. Once managing committees are formed and verified, the schools will be handed over immediately,” she said.
Itoo reiterated that the decision was aimed at safeguarding students’ futures. She criticized opposition parties, particularly the PDP, for politicizing the issue, pointing out that adverse CID reports had emerged during Mehbooba Mufti’s tenure.
Assuring the public, the minister stated, “No school will be taken over permanently. Once the managing committee is formed, the schools will be returned to them.”
