"The only condition is that they will have to maintain the required standards of teaching," said Education Minister Naeem Akhtar adding that these schools would be open to inspection by the government authorities.
In a giant step towards universalisation of education, the Jammu and Kashmir government has waved off all conditions and formalities required for establishing primary schools in the restive state. Anybody can now open a primary-level school in the private sector without obtaining any permission from any government authority.
"The only condition is that they will have to maintain the required standards of teaching," said Education Minister Naeem Akhtar adding that these schools would be open to inspection by the government authorities.
"Earlier they (private sector) had to seek permission from zonal education officer and chief education officers and others for permission. Now we have made it free and anybody can set up school up to class V. We also want to build a competition among schools through this initiative. Nobody will invest in a losing proportion and they will try to compete between themselves," said Akhtar.
Official figures reveal that 16,11,462 students were enrolled in primary and upper primary classes in government and private schools of the state for the 2015-16 academic year. Of this 9,15,287 students were enrolled in primary and upper classes in Kashmir division and 6,96,175 students in Jammu division.
"The government would have only control on academics and amenities. The schools will have to adopt the syllabi, curriculum and examination followed by government schools," said Akhtar.
The Private Schools' Association of Kashmir (PSAK), however, reacted guardedly to the government initiative saying no objection certificate (NOC) from allied department is the biggest impediment in establishing of schools. "We have to seek 13 NOCs from Roads and Buildings department, fire service et al. It is not clear whether the government exempts people from these NOCs or not. If we have to obtain NOC, permission from directorate of education holds no value except a piece of paper," said GN Var, chairman of PSAK.
Var however, noted that if the government waves off the NOC system then it will be a revolutionary step in empowering people at the grassroots level.
Education system in the strife-torn Kashmir valley had suffered a crushing blow due to the five months of unrest in 2016. Economic Survey Report of Jammu and Kashmir government revealed that normal schooling could be conducted only for a period of four months in the Valley.
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