J&K Govt Takes Over 215 Schools Linked to Jamaat-e-Islami, Download Full List Here
Srinagar, Aug 22 (ProKashmiri.in): In one of the biggest education-related decisions in recent years, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the takeover of 215 schools that were found to be directly or indirectly affiliated with the proscribed organisation Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its wing, the Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT). Officials said the step was necessary to safeguard the future of thousands of students enrolled in these institutions and to ensure that education remains free from the influence of banned groups.
The order issued by the government refers to the Ministry of Home Affairs notifications dated February 28, 2019 and February 27, 2024, which had declared Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. Intelligence agencies later identified more than two hundred schools across Kashmir that were operating under JeI or FAT, raising concerns about their management and influence. The government further noted that the managing committees of these schools had already expired and that adverse reports had been received from security agencies.
To address this, the government has directed that the control of these schools be immediately transferred to the respective District Magistrates and Deputy Commissioners. They will oversee the schools for now and later propose fresh managing committees after proper verification. The order makes it clear that education of students must not be disrupted in any way during this transition. District authorities, in consultation with the School Education Department, have been asked to take all necessary steps to ensure smooth functioning of academics and to provide quality education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP).
The schools listed in the annexure of the order are spread across almost every district of the Valley, including Anantnag, Baramulla, Bandipora, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Ganderbal and Kulgam. Some well-known institutions mentioned in Anantnag are Hazrat Amir Kabir Memorial School Brakpora, Islamia Model School Akingam, Sheikh-ul-Aalam Memorial Institute Nagam and Shining Public High School Arwani. In Baramulla, the order includes Green Land Public High School Delina, New Syed Bahaw-ud-Din Public High School Wagub and Razi Memorial Public School Krankshivian. Pulwama has Evergreen English Medium Public High School Chersoo, Morning Star Public High School Karimabad and Zaffran Public School Samboora on the list, while Shopian features schools such as Central Public High School Chitargam, Public Model High School Kanigam and Crescent Public School Nagbal.
Officials maintained that this decision is aimed purely at protecting the education of children, many of whom belong to poor and middle-class families and have limited alternatives. They said the government intends to bring these schools under transparent and accountable management so that the focus remains entirely on academics and not on any other influence. Parents have expressed mixed reactions, with some welcoming the decision as necessary for long-term reform, while others are worried about the immediate impact on their children’s studies.
Authorities have assured that teachers and infrastructure will remain intact for now and that there will be no break in ongoing classes. District Magistrates have been asked to act quickly and coordinate with the Education Department to ensure a smooth transition. The government has also emphasised that these schools must now follow modern education standards and provide an environment that safeguards both learning and the future of students enrolled in them.
