Kashmir Schools Federation: Open Meeting between Private School Representatives and Principal Secretary Shri Alok Kumar Ji

Srinagar, July 2024: An open meeting was held at the Directorate of School Education Kashmir’s office, chaired by the Honorable Principal Secretary, Shri Alok Kumar Ji.

The meeting was a significant event attended by high-ranking officials from the Education Department, including Shri Tasaduq Hussain (Director of School Education, Kashmir), Shri Ashok Kumar (Director of School Education, Jammu), Shri Parikshat Singh Manhas (Chairman, J&K BOSE), and Miss Manisha Sarin (Secretary, JKBOSE), along with other distinguished dignitaries.

The meeting saw active participation from various private school associations, including a delegation from the Kashmir Schools Federation.The Kashmir Schools Federation, led by President Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Hafiz, sent a 15-member delegation representing all districts of Kashmir.

This significant representation underscored the federation’s commitment to engaging with educational authorities to discuss key issues impacting the private education sector.

The meeting began with Hon’ble Principal Secretary Shri Alok Kumar Ji choosing a unique approach: rather than presenting an official agenda, he invited private school representatives to voice their concerns and issues directly.

This approach facilitated a comprehensive and open dialogue, allowing each participant to present their grievances and challenges.

The session extended over four hours, during which Shri Alok Kumar Ji displayed exceptional patience and responsiveness, addressing each concern with detailed deliberation. The discussion covered a broad spectrum of issues affecting private schools, including:

1. Portal Accessibility
2. Land Issues
3. Lease Deed or Rent Deed
4. Tagging Issues
5. Board Registration for Class 9th and 10th Students
6. Counter-Signing of Certificates.
7. No Objection Certificates (NOCs): Validity and Tenure
8. Political Non-Involvement Certificates
9. Academic Calendar.
10. Fee Fixation Regulating Committee.
11. Teachers’ Training Programs for Private School Educators.
12. Fees for Procuring Various NOCs.
13. NOC from Traffic Department.
14. Board Textbooks.
15. In response to the issues raised, Shri Alok Kumar Ji issued several on-the-spot orders aimed at alleviating some of the immediate concerns of private schools. These directives include:• Chemical Safety Certificate: Schools will no longer be required to procure a Chemical Safety Certificate. Instead, the school management will provide a declaration regarding the safe custody of chemicals.• Pollution Certificate: The requirement for a pollution certificate has been removed.• Traffic Department Certificate: Schools that do not provide transport facilities to students are exempt from obtaining a certificate from the Traffic Department.The Federation remains confident that under the esteemed leadership of Shri Alok Kumar Ji, the pending issues will be resolved in a timely and efficient manner.The Kashmir School Federation extends its gratitude to Shri Alok Kumar Ji for his dedication and proactive engagement and appreciated his commitment for understanding the unique challenges faced by private schools. Additionally, the Federation expresses its deep appreciation to the other officials of the Directorate of School Education Kashmir for their unwavering support and facilitation throughout the course of the discussions.The Federation expresses its satisfaction with the meeting’s outcomes .The meeting has set a precedent for constructive dialogue and collaboration between private educational institutions and the education authorities, fostering a more supportive environment for educational development in the region.
16. Via Kashmir Schools federation: President Shakeel hafiz