Onlykashmir.in News Desk
A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools Association (J&K-PSA), led by Association Secretary and Shopian District President Hilal Ahmad Khan, met Minister for Health and Education Sakina Itoo at her residence at Damhal Hanjipora in Kulgam on Thursday and conveyed the Association’s gratitude for the Government’s recent decision to simplify and rationalise several No Objection Certificate (NOC) and compliance requirements for private schools.
The delegation thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Ms Itoo, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Cabinet Ministers and the administration for addressing a long-pending demand of the private education sector. It also conveyed special thanks on behalf of Chief Patron Dr G.N. Var, President Bilal Ahmad Bhat and the State Executive, describing the decision as an important step towards reducing unnecessary procedural burdens on institutions.
The Government has amended the School Education Rules to ease permission and certification requirements, including by replacing certain documentary requirements with self-attested certificates, while retaining safeguards on student safety, structural safety, traffic safety and fire protection.
Mr Khan said the Association viewed the reform as a significant development and appreciated the Government for responding to concerns raised repeatedly through representations, meetings and policy discussions. “Rationalising unnecessary NOCs and compliance requirements will reduce procedural difficulties and allow schools to devote greater time and resources to academics, student development, sports, skills and infrastructure. This is an important step towards Ease of Doing Business in the education sector,” he said.
The delegation noted that the reform follows other education decisions of the present Government, including the change in the academic session and the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026, which the Assembly passed in April 2026 to provide a framework for establishing and regulating private universities. The Association said these measures point to a policy approach that facilitates institutions while retaining standards of academic quality, student safety and accountability.
During the meeting, the delegation raised several other issues. Mr Khan urged that Kalami Sheikh-ul-Alam (R.A.) be incorporated into the school syllabus up to the middle school level, stressing the importance of acquainting students with Kashmir’s spiritual, literary and cultural heritage. The delegation also discussed the State land and Khacharia land issue, seeking early resolution of the long-pending matter, and reiterated the demand for a 10-year validity period for school registration certificates to reduce repetitive administrative procedures for recognised institutions.
The Minister heard the issues patiently and assured the members that the Government would examine the remaining pending matters and continue working for the welfare of students and the education sector.
The delegation expressed hope that continued engagement with the private school fraternity would help resolve outstanding regulatory and infrastructure related issues and further strengthen cooperation between the Government and private educational institutions.
