Sakeena Itoo Directs Strict Action Against Private School Fee Hikes in J&K

JAMMU, March 30, 2026: Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, has directed the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) to take firm action against private schools imposing arbitrary fee hikes and unjustified financial burdens on parents.

During a comprehensive review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, the Minister emphasized that schools found violating prescribed norms must face strict enforcement of regulations to protect public trust.

She instructed the Commissioner Secretary to form specialized committees for regular inspections and monitoring of both JKBOSE and CBSE-affiliated private schools across the Union Territory.

Asserting that any attempt to exploit families through unauthorized fee structures will not be tolerated, she called for enhanced coordination between district authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure absolute compliance with government guidelines and transparency in school operations.

Beyond regulatory oversight, the Minister evaluated JKBOSE’s preparedness for upcoming examinations and academic reforms under NEP-2020.

Chairman Ghulam Hassan Sheikh reported significant progress, noting that 71 out of 89 published textbooks are now energized under the DIKSHA platform and over 51 lakh student records are available on DigiLocker.

The meeting also highlighted several student-centric initiatives, including the timely declaration of 10th-grade results for Summer Zone areas, the introduction of two-level Mathematics at the secondary stage, and expanded exemptions for students with special needs (CWSN).

Commending the Board’s shift toward digital interventions and vocational integration, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an equitable, accountable, and student-friendly educational ecosystem that prioritizes merit and accessibility over commercial interests.