J&K, Aug.23,2025: The transition of control entails handing over the management of the 215 schools to the respective District Magistrates (DMs) or Deputy Commissioners (DCs). They are tasked with
The Decision Unveiled
In a bold, decisive move, the J&K Government Takes Over 215 Schools linked to the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its educational wing, Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT), as outlined in an order by the J&K School Education Department on August 22, 2025.
The school managing committees were deemed invalid—either expired or flagged by intelligence agencies—and the takeover is intended to secure students’ academic futures and ensure compliance with legal standards.
Why the Takeover?
The rationale is clear to protect education and enforce law and order. Intelligence assessments uncovered direct or indirect affiliations between these schools and banned organizations, undermining governance and education delivery.
Director of the Education Department, Secretary Ram Nivas Sharma, emphasized the move was taken solely for the welfare of students, safeguarding their educational journey amid governance concerns.
Scope and Oversight
The transition of control entails handing over the management of the 215 schools to the respective District Magistrates (DMs) or Deputy Commissioners (DCs). They are tasked with forming verified new management committees and ensuring the uninterrupted, quality education of students per National Education Policy (NEP) standards.
Nearly 60,000 students and about 4,000 staff across these schools come within the ambit of this administrative overhaul.
The schools span the Kashmir Valley, with the highest numbers in North Kashmir (Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora), followed by South and Central regions.
Political Reactions and Disputes
The move has stoked political controversy. J&K’s Education Minister, Sakina Itoo, stated that the original plan involved delegating school oversight to nearby government school principals—not district officials. She claimed the order was altered without her knowledge.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Sajad Lone of the Peoples Conference condemned the takeover as excessive political overreach, calling it “a shameless display of servility” by the elected government. These views underline tensions between governance, administration, and political narratives.
Impact on Students and Education Quality
Despite the political turbulence, both officials and stakeholders affirm that student interests remain the central concern. The education department coordination aims to maintain academic continuity and uphold education standards across the affected schools.
Ensuring alignment with NEP norms and careful management during the transition is critical to avoid disruptions in student learning—a challenge acknowledged by authorities.
The next steps involve verifying the proposed committees and restoring operational normalcy. The DM/DCs will play a pivotal role in stabilizing governance.
Political friction, administrative overhaul, and student welfare concerns will shape the process ahead. Whether this sets a precedent for similar interventions in education management remains to be seen. The focus now is restoring trust and continuity.
In a courageous, strategic step, the J&K Government Takes Over 215 Schools to realign education with legal, security, and quality standards. Amid political friction and administrative upheaval, the focus remains unshakably on safeguarding education and protecting student futures.
