Srinagar, Apr 12: The Private Schools’ Association J&K (PSAJK) has urged the government to refrain from taking “knee-jerk” decisions driven by social media narratives, and instead engage the private sector as a “knowledge partner” in strengthening the education sector across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing media persons, president PSAJK Nazrul Islam Baba said recent controversies, particularly around the Fee Fixation Committee, have been “blown out of proportion” over the past few days, largely due to misinformation circulating on social media. He however defended the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) and said the statutory body has functioned effectively over the past three years by addressing complaints, resolving disputes, and ensuring that issues do not escalate into litigation. “This is a difficult task and deserves appreciation. Parents’ concerns have been addressed and there have been proper disposals as well,” he said.
President PSAJK however expressed concern that isolated issues were being used to target the entire private education sector. “We cannot paint all the schools with the same brush. Some isolated incidents or complaints cannot be attributed to all the schools,” he said. Referring to the recent issue raised over private schools changing uniforms after every year, Baba said no school does it. “But it is unfortunate that such issues are discussed in the Assembly when the ground reality is something different,” he said. He cautioned the government against policymaking influenced by “social media trials,” saying such an approach could undermine institutions built over decades. “We appeal to the government not to take decisions on the basis of social media. If there are issues, form committees with representation from associations, parents, and the government. We are ready to work together to resolve them,” he said. He said that private schools have nearly 52 percent of student enrollment across Jammu and Kashmir which he said speaks volumes about the trust of the parents in the quality of education being provided by these educational institutions. “Our point is clear. We understand that regulation is necessary but it should not turn into strangulation of the institutions,” he said. He said the people who have invested their lives in building schools should not be discouraged. “Regulation is important, but excessive control will only force institutions to shut down,” he said.
Drawing a parallel with the closure of private medical colleges in the past, president PSAJK argued that such decisions have had long-term consequences, forcing students to seek education abroad. He called for strengthening and “regenerating” institutions rather than constraining them.
Referring to a recent controversy involving DPS Baramulla, Baba said the association has taken cognizance of the issue and initiated an internal inquiry. “A mistake may have occurred, and we are addressing it. The aim is to resolve issues collectively as a community without losing sight of our larger goal which is quality education,” he said. He said that private education sector has played a crucial role in filling gaps in the education system over the past three decades. “The private schools should be treated as a knowledge partners rather than an adversary in policymaking,” he said.
