The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the takeover of the management of 215 schools affiliated with the Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT), a body linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). The decision, announced on Friday, is a move aimed at safeguarding the academic future of thousands of students and follows adverse reports from intelligence agencies.
According to an official order, the validity of the managing committees for these 215 schools had expired and intelligence agencies had reported unfavorably on them, identifying them as being directly or indirectly affiliated with the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami and its trust.
Under the new order, the management of these schools will be taken over by the respective District Magistrates or Deputy Commissioners, who are tasked with proposing new, duly verified managing committees. The government has emphasized that the academic careers of the enrolled students must not be disrupted and that the schools will be managed to ensure quality education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) norms.
The move comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs had declared the Jamaat-e-Islami, J&K, an “unlawful association” in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. In 2022, the Lieutenant Governor’s administration had already barred these schools from fresh admissions and registrations, and students were advised to enroll in nearby government schools.
The 215 schools are spread across ten districts of the Kashmir valley, including Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Shopian, and Srinagar.
