The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government has ordered the takeover of the management of 215 schools affiliated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its educational wing, Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT), starting August 23, 2025. This decision follows adverse reports from intelligence agencies indicating direct or indirect links between these schools and the proscribed organization, with the managing committees of these schools either expired or flagged negatively. The move is authorized under the J&K School Education Rules of 2010, aiming to safeguard the academic future of approximately 55,000 students enrolled in these institutions.
The schools, spread across districts including Anantnag (37), Baramulla (53), Budgam (20), Bandipora (6), Ganderbal (6), Kulgam (16), Kupwara (36), Pulwama (21), Shopian (15), and Srinagar (4), were previously managed by FAT, which offered both Islamic and modern syllabi. The government has directed District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners to assume control and propose new managing committees after verification, ensuring uninterrupted education aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 norms.
However, J&K Education Minister Sakina Itoo clarified that she had not ordered Deputy Commissioners to take over but instead intended for principals of nearby government schools to manage these institutions temporarily for three months due to registration issues and expired committees. She noted errors in the official order issued by the School Education Department’s secretary, which she claims misrepresented her instructions. The minister emphasized protecting students’ futures, as the J&K Board of School Education had refused examination forms from these schools post the 2019 JeI ban.
The decision has sparked controversy, with political figures like Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone calling it “shameful” and PDP legislator Waheed Parra labeling it “unfortunate, undemocratic, and derogatory,” accusing the government of servility. The JeI, banned in 2019 and again in 2024 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for alleged terror links, has a history of controversy, including ties to militancy and separatist movements, notably through its role in the 1987 Muslim United Front.
The takeover aims to ensure quality education and secure students’ academic careers, but the conflicting statements from the minister and the official order highlight administrative discrepancies, drawing significant local criticism.
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