Onlykashmir.in News Desk
The Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools’ Association (J&K-PSA) has welcomed the Government’s decision to simplify and rationalise several No Objection Certificate (NOC) and compliance requirements for private schools, calling it a progressive and long-awaited regulatory reform that will bring substantial relief to educational institutions across the Union Territory.
The Association said the move marks an important step towards Ease of Doing Business in the education sector, reducing repetitive procedural burdens on genuine institutions and allowing schools to devote more attention and resources to academics, student development, infrastructure, sports and skills. It specifically welcomed the amendments notified by the School Education Department on 5 October 2026 under S.O. 251, issued under Section 29 of the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act, 2002.
The amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Rules, 2010 omit specified clauses under Rule 4 and Rule 6 and, in key areas, replace earlier procedural requirements with self-attested certificates from the concerned schools. These cover compliance with traffic rules for student safety, adherence to applicable building laws and safety measures, installation of fire-safety equipment and the safe storage of chemicals where applicable, in line with directions of the Supreme Court and other courts.
Veteran educationist and PSA Founding President and Chief Patron Dr G.N. Var, who met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the day, said a modern education system needs a simple, stable and transparent regulatory framework that protects essential safety standards without overburdening institutions. He said repeated NOCs had for years consumed money, time and energy, particularly in smaller schools in rural and far-flung areas. “Private schools are an important stakeholder in the education sector of Jammu and Kashmir. A responsive regulatory environment builds confidence among institutions,” he said.
PSA President Bilal Ahmad Bhat described the decision as recognition of a concern the Association had consistently raised, and said genuine schools should not face unnecessary and cumbersome procedures. General Secretary Mohammad Syed Wani said sustained dialogue had produced a practical solution, while Director Media Dr Owais Mattoo said every reform that removes hurdles gives schools more capacity to focus on students. Secretary Hilal Ahmad Khan stressed that implementation at the grassroots would be equally important.
The Association thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Commissioner Secretary School Education, the JKBOSE Chairman and the Directors of School Education for their support. It noted that the decision follows the change in the academic session and the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026.
While welcoming the reform, the PSA said other issues remain pending. These include permanent school registration, longer validity of NOCs, a single-window approval mechanism, time-bound disposal of files, land lease policies, a help desk for private schools and the categorisation of municipal sanitation fees. The Association said the Government and private schools are complementary partners in the larger educational mission of Jammu and Kashmir.
