SRINAGAR: In a recent announcement, the Principal of St Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Baramulla, informed parents that the school faces uncertainty due to the expiry of the Government lease in 2018.
The circular states that despite the school’s efforts, including filing for renewal with necessary documents and recommendations, the matter has remained pending in the office of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir since April 2022.
“The Principal of St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Baramulla, urged parents of students in Classes IX, X, XI, and XII to be aware of State Order no 177 issued by the Department of Education of U.T. J&K in April 2022. The order entails the refraining of Affiliation and Registration of Students of Private Schools operating over Government Lease Land, whose lease has expired. These students are to be tagged to neighboring Government Schools for Board Examinations in the 2023-24 session,” reads the circular.
The circular further reads that the efforts to seek an NOC from the Revenue Department proved futile. “Despite appeals to various authorities, including the Lt Governor’s office, no action has been taken to provisionally register students for the 2023-24 session or renew the lease period.”
The school’s management and Parents Association have jointly appealed to government officials, including the Principal Secretary of Revenue, Principal Secretary of School Education, and Chairman BOSE.
Meanwhile, The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) expressed concern, stating that such an established institution can be targeted.
“The recent news of registration denial to students of the prestigious Saint Joseph School Baramulla, an institution with a 100-year legacy, has sent shockwaves through the entire education community in Kashmir. If such an established institution can be targeted, then it seems no one is safe,” the statement reads.
“We urge the authorities to understand the gravity of this situation,” said a spokesperson of PSAJK. “This decision disrupts the lives of countless families and shatters the dreams of our children.”
The decision’s impact extends beyond individual students, risking the closure of hundreds of private schools and jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of teachers and staff.
“Immediate intervention from the Lieutenant Governor’s office is urged, instructing BOSEK to reverse this decision. Concerned bureaucrats must acknowledge the ground reality and ensure the smooth functioning of private education in Kashmir and ensure the smooth functioning of private education in Kashmir,” spokesperson said.
Notably, the predicament started after the JK government amended the rules under the Education Act 2002 in 2022, introducing fresh guidelines for the use of land and building structures by private schools in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Following this, the JK government directed the immediate closure of private schools on state land, instructing them to cease schooling for enrolled children.
