PSA delegation meets JKBOSE Chairman; key issues of private schools

• Private schools are essential partners in nation building, deserve full Govt's support: PSA President Bilal  Bhat
• Students must not suffer due to administrative delays: Senior Vice President Manzoor Rather
• PSA Gen. Secy M.S Wani demands fast-track, time-bound disposal of pending school files
• Quality education requires administrative cooperation: Dr. Owais Mattoo Director Media & Communications

SRINAGAR: A high level delegation of the Private Schools Association called on the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) Sheikh Ghulam Hassan in Srinagar to discuss several pressing issues concerning private schools across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with detailed deliberations on affiliation matters, land-related issues, lease deed complications and the need for timely disposal of pending school files.

The PSA delegation was led by State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat included Senior Vice President Manzoor Ahmad Rather, General Secretary (Organisation) M. Syed Wani, Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo, Treasurer Hilal Ahmad Khan and District President Bandipora Dr. Yasir Ahmad. During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the difficulties being faced by private schools due to delays in the processing of affiliation and renewal files. The members stressed that timely disposal of such matters is essential for the smooth functioning of all schools and to safeguard the academic interests of thousands of students studying in private institutions across the Jammu & Kashmir.

Speaking on the occasion, PSA State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat said that private schools have played a vital role in strengthening the educational ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir and deserve a transparent, time-bound and supportive administrative mechanism.  Bhat said “Private educational institutions are contributing immensely towards quality education, employment and academic development in Jammu and Kashmir. We urged the Chairman JKBOSE to ensure speedy processing of affiliation and other pending matters so that schools can function without unnecessary administrative hurdles,”.

Senior Vice President Manzoor Ahmad Rather emphasized the need for practical and coordinated solutions to long-pending land and lease deed issues affecting several schools. He said “We requested the Board authorities to facilitate a smooth mechanism for resolving lease deed and land-related complications, which have remained a major concern for many institutions. Such issues directly impact institutional stability and long-term planning,”.

General Secretary (Organisation) M. Syed Wani stated that schools across various districts are facing procedural delays despite fulfilling necessary requirements. Wani said “There is a strong need for a transparent and time-bound framework for clearance of affiliation files and related documentation. Educational institutions should not suffer due to procedural delays”.

Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo termed the meeting as positive and result-oriented, he says that meaningful dialogue between stakeholders and authorities is necessary for the growth of the education sector. Dr. Mattoo said “The meeting reflected a constructive approach from both sides. PSA believes that continued coordination between JKBOSE and private institutions will help in addressing genuine concerns in the larger interest of students and academic progress”.

Treasurer Hilal Ahmad Khan highlighted the financial and administrative strain faced by schools due to pending official matters. Khan said “Delays in official clearances create uncertainty for institutions and affect overall academics. We expect early intervention and facilitation from the concerned authorities”. District President Bandipora Dr. Yasir Ahmad said that institutions operating in far-flung and rural areas require special attention and administrative support.

He said “Schools in remote areas often face additional challenges regarding various issues. We requested the Board authority to adopt a practical and student-centric approach while dealing with such cases”. Chairman JKBOSE Sheikh Ghulam Hassan patiently listened the issues which highlighted by the PSA delegation and assured them that all genuine concerns would be examined in accordance with the established rules and procedures. He informed the delegation that once complete revenue details regarding the land status of schools are made available, necessary recommendations would be prepared and forwarded to the higher authorities for appropriate action.

The PSA delegation also assured that the Association would further strengthen coordination with affected schools and facilitate the submission of pending files and revenue-related documents from the concerned departments to expedite the process at the ground level. The meeting concluded on a positive and hopeful note, with both sides expressing commitment towards effective coordination, institutional support and speedy resolution of pending matters in the larger interest of the students welfare and schools across in Jammu and Kashmir.