JAMMU, December 26, 2025: In a decisive move to address growing concerns within the education sector, Minister for Education, Social Welfare, and Health, Sakeena Itoo, convened a high-stakes meeting at the Civil Secretariat today with key stakeholders, including the Private School Association and Parents Association. Accompanied by top officials, including ACS Higher Education Shantamanu and Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, the Minister spearheaded an extensive dialogue on critical issues such as arbitrary fee hikes, student safety, and the alignment of academic calendars.
Reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance policy against any form of exploitation, Itoo emphasized that while private schools play a vital role, they must strictly adhere to government guidelines to ensure that education remains both inclusive and affordable for all.A major highlight of the meeting was the Minister’s immediate directive to form a dedicated committee to resolve the availability and distribution of textbooks. Minister Itoo called for intensified market surveillance to curb the unauthorized sale of books that fall outside the prescribed JKBOSE curriculum, a move aimed at protecting parents from being forced into purchasing expensive private publications.
The Parents Association voiced strong opposition to “hidden” annual charges and inflated transport fees, demanding permanent representation in decision-making processes regarding fee fixation. In response, the Minister assured that every grievance would be examined with a stakeholder-consultative approach, directing the Fee Fixation Regulation Commission and School Education Directors to maintain constant vigilance and proactive engagement with parent bodies.Simultaneously, the Minister addressed the concerns of the Private School Association, which sought a more streamlined process for obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and registration renewals.
Showing a collaborative spirit, Itoo directed officials to facilitate “low-budget schools” through a time-bound resolution of their administrative hurdles, provided they maintain the required educational standards. The meeting concluded with a firm resolve to strengthen the educational ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that transparency, accountability, and the welfare of the students remain the central pillars of all future policy implementations.
