Srinagar, 23 August: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itu on Saturday clarified that the government has not taken more than 215 schools associated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) and its associates, Fala-e-Aam Trust (FAT), but instead has introduced a temporary system for their management.
This explanation follows the issue of a government order by the School Education Department, stating that schools will be handled by the concerned District Magistrates.
As per the order, new management committees will be proposed after verification from intelligence agencies.
Speaking to reporters, Education Minister Itu said that his acceptance had authorized the temporary supervision of these schools by the cluster principals for a period of three months until new committees are formed and the required CID verification is completed. “Employees, students and infrastructure remain unchanged. There is no question of taking the government permanently to schools,” he said.
He further said that the current management committees of these schools had completed their tenure and the delay in verification had created problems for the students during the board examination registration. “Steps were taken to avoid any disruption for the education of about 51,000 enrolled students,” Itu said.
However, the minister accused the department of incorrectly presenting the order, stating that there was no mention in the approval of the district commissioners running the schools.
He said that his instruction was limited to CID verification and the formation of new committees.
This issue has taken political reactions.
Sajad Lone, president of the People’s Conference, criticized the government’s decision, called it an overache. Lone said, “The elected government has passed the order, and they are equal partners in all decisions.”
Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, said that the decision resonated the previous action against Jamaat-e-Islami. He questioned what he called inconsistency in the position of the minister and described this step as harmful to the future of thousands of students.
In contrast, Jammu and Kashmir BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur welcomed the government’s decision. He questioned the reluctance of the Education Minister in implementing the order and said that this step will ensure that students are not aware of any ideological effects. Thakur said, “Education should be free from any political or separatist influence.”
The central government banned the Jamaat-e-Islami under the illegal activities (prevention) Act in February 2019. Since then, law enforcement agencies have worked against the organization and its colleagues, including fat. (KNS)
