JKBOSE Assures Students: Exams Continue Despite School Problems

JKBOSE Assures Students: Exams Continue Despite School Problems

Srinagar, December 17, 2023 – In response to the affiliation crisis affecting over 300 private schools in Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has initiated a proactive measure to safeguard the academic future of affected students.

The move comes as a result of the failure of these private schools to renew their affiliation with JKBOSE due to non-compliance with stipulated conditions. A significant challenge faced by these institutions is their inability to secure renewed affiliation owing to their locations on government-owned land.

The Statutory Order (S.O.) number 177, dated April 15, 2022, introduced additional conditions for school registration, recognition, and affiliation. Notably, schools are now required to obtain a land title or lease deed certificate from the relevant Tehsildar for the land on which the school is situated. The absence of this certificate can lead to de-recognition and the takeover of school management.

In light of these developments, Joint Secretaries of JKBOSE have issued circulars, urging private schools to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) regarding land use from the Revenue Department.

However, a considerable number of schools failed to meet these new requirements, rendering them ineligible for affiliation renewal.

To address the potential impact on students, JKBOSE Chairman, Dr. Prikshit Singh Manhas, assures that every student will be allowed to participate in the examinations. Efforts are underway to tag affected students with nearby government schools to ensure continuity in their education.

In response to the situation, defaulting schools have been directed not to admit students from class 9 onwards until the extension of their affiliation is granted by JKBOSE.

This development is grounded in amendments to the rules under the Education Act of 2002, mandating private schools established on state land to cease operations immediately.

Affected schools were instructed to issue school leaving certificates to students, facilitating their transition to government schools with parental consent.

In opposition to this decision, the Kashmir Schools Federation (KSF) has strongly criticized the move to link students from private schools with alternative schools.

KSF President Shakeel Hafiz emphasized that students should be allowed to take exams at their respective institutions, even if dealing with land issues or other pending formalities.

The KSF plans to engage with JKBOSE Chairman and Director of School Education Kashmir to find a resolution to the issue, emphasizing the need to consider the future of students during this challenging time.