The Jammu and Kashmir government has taken over the management of 58 private schools affiliated with the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its educational affiliate, the Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT).
A formal order issued by the Secretary of the School Education Department (SED) directs the concerned Deputy Commissioners to assume control of these institutions. The move follows intelligence reports identifying the schools as having direct or indirect links with the banned organisation. The managing committees of these schools had either expired or received adverse reports from intelligence agencies.
This action draws on powers under the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Rules 2010 and related notifications. It references the Union Ministry of Home Affairs declarations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, which banned JeI in Jammu and Kashmir vide orders dated February 28, 2019, and February 27, 2024.
Officials have emphasised that the takeover aims to safeguard the academic interests of students. Deputy Commissioners must take appropriate steps, in consultation with the School Education Department, to ensure that the academic careers of enrolled students remain unaffected. They have been asked to propose fresh managing committees after due verification and to maintain the quality of education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) norms. Government teams from the SED have been deputed to facilitate the process and ensure a smooth transition.
This development comes as a follow-up to an earlier order. In August 2025, the J&K government had taken over the management of 215 schools affiliated with JeI and FAT across the Union Territory.
The administration has assured that the focus remains on uninterrupted education and the welfare of students and staff during the transition to state oversight. No immediate disruptions to classes or examinations are anticipated, with local authorities coordinating closely with the education department.
The step forms part of ongoing efforts to regulate private educational institutions linked to organisations declared unlawful by the Centre, while prioritising the continuity of learning in the Kashmir Valley.
