- President Showkat Chowdhary Voices Key Demands for Strengthening Education in J&K
SRINAGAR: The JK Unaided Private School Association, led by President Mr. Showkat Chowdhary, extends a warm welcome and heartfelt appreciation to the Honorable Education Minister Miss Sakeena Itoo for her visionary approach to revising the academic session calendar from March to November. This much-needed reform will better align the academic year with the region’s climate and global education standards, enhancing the learning experience for students.President Showkat Chowdhary stated, "We are optimistic about the future of education in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Education Minister Miss Sakeena Itoo. Her commitment to the academic session change is a step in the right direction for the benefit of both students and educators alike.
"However, while lauding this initiative, the Association also takes this opportunity to present the following key demands aimed at improving the overall education landscape in the regionThe Association urges the government to revoke unnecessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) that create bureaucratic hurdles for private schools. Simplifying these procedures will ensure smoother operations and better focus on the quality of education.
The Association highlights the urgent need to address the substandard quality of textbooks provided by the JK Board. "These books do not meet the current demands of the education sector or the competitive nature of modern exams," said Mr. Chowdhary. He emphasized the importance of providing students with high-quality, comprehensive study materials to better prepare them for the challenges ahead.The Association calls for a more pragmatic approach to school registration renewals.
The current process is cumbersome and time-consuming. We request the renewal of school registrations for either lifetime or a maximum of 10 years to ensure stability in the education system.The Association strongly supports the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment in the T.M.A. Pai case, which upheld the autonomy of unaided schools regarding fee fixation and admission policies.
President Chowdhary reiterated that the Fee Fixation Committee must function in accordance with this landmark judgment, ensuring fairness and autonomy for private schools.Mr. Showkat Chowdhary expressed confidence in the newly elected government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the dynamic Education Minister Miss Sakeena Itoo. "Our expectations are high, and we are hopeful that the current government will prioritize the needs of all stakeholders in the private education sector, working together to create a brighter future for students in Jammu and Kashmir."


