Srinagar: An order by the J&K Education Department to take over management of 215 schools linked to the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its affiliate Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT) has sparked a clash between the Lieutenant Governor's administration and the elected government. The opposition targeted the elected government for failing to safeguard people's interests.
The Friday night order directed District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners to assume control of the schools, with over 51,000 students enrolled, and propose new committees after security vetting. On Saturday, tehsildars and police ensured smooth handover of administration to the education department.
The department said the move followed adverse intelligence reports linking the schools to the banned group. JeI has been outlawed since 2019. The order added that existing committees had either expired or faced negative reports. Authorities were told to protect students' academic interests and maintain quality education in line with NEP norms.
Opposition parties slammed the order as "surrender to the Centre," prompting Education Minister Sakina Ittoo to clarify her proposal had been "tweaked." She said DCs forming management committees was not part of her draft. "We had proposed committees after CID verification, with principals of nearby government schools as in-charge. The decision will be reviewed in three months," she said, hitting out at PDP and PC for failing to verify such schools in earlier governments.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti accused the NC-led government of failing to resist New Delhi's pressure despite a majority in the assembly. "These schools impart religious and moral education at low fees and are now being targeted," she said.
PC chief Sajad Lone called the move "forcible and shameless," accusing the NC of servility.
The Friday night order directed District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners to assume control of the schools, with over 51,000 students enrolled, and propose new committees after security vetting. On Saturday, tehsildars and police ensured smooth handover of administration to the education department.
The department said the move followed adverse intelligence reports linking the schools to the banned group. JeI has been outlawed since 2019. The order added that existing committees had either expired or faced negative reports. Authorities were told to protect students' academic interests and maintain quality education in line with NEP norms.
Opposition parties slammed the order as "surrender to the Centre," prompting Education Minister Sakina Ittoo to clarify her proposal had been "tweaked." She said DCs forming management committees was not part of her draft. "We had proposed committees after CID verification, with principals of nearby government schools as in-charge. The decision will be reviewed in three months," she said, hitting out at PDP and PC for failing to verify such schools in earlier governments.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti accused the NC-led government of failing to resist New Delhi's pressure despite a majority in the assembly. "These schools impart religious and moral education at low fees and are now being targeted," she said.
PC chief Sajad Lone called the move "forcible and shameless," accusing the NC of servility.
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