J&K Govt Seizes 215 Schools Linked to Banned Jamaat-e-Islami
Government takes over schools to secure students’ academic future.
The Jammu and Kashmir government initiated the takeover of 215 schools affiliated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its educational wing, Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT), on Saturday, aiming to curb the influence of the proscribed organization while safeguarding students’ education. District administration and police teams, accompanied by principals from nearby higher secondary schools, began the process across the Kashmir Valley, assuming control of the schools’ management, officials confirmed.
The operation follows a Friday order from the J&K School Education Department, which mandated the takeover due to expired managing committees and adverse intelligence reports. “Intelligence agencies identified these schools as directly or indirectly linked to JeI/FAT,” the order stated, citing notifications from the Ministry of Home Affairs on February 28, 2019, and February 27, 2024, declaring JeI an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The schools, spread across 10 districts including Anantnag (37 schools), Baramulla (53), and Kupwara (36), serve around 60,000 students and employ nearly 4,000 staff. Notable institutions include Hazrat Amir Kabir Memorial School in Anantnag and Ramzana Memorial Education Institute in Srinagar. The government emphasized that the takeover aims to ensure uninterrupted education aligned with National Education Policy norms, with District Magistrates and Deputy Commissioners tasked with proposing new, verified managing committees.
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Controversy surrounds the decision, with Education Minister Sakina Itoo clarifying that her initial directive was for nearby school principals to oversee these institutions temporarily, not for deputy commissioners to take control. Critics, including politician Sajad Lone, condemned the move as “shameful,” alleging it reflects excessive compliance by the elected government. Despite the backlash, authorities are coordinating with the School Education Department to protect students’ academic futures, ensuring quality education and stability in these institutions.
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