The Jammu and Kashmir Government has taken control of 58 more private schools allegedly linked to Jamaat-e-Islami, officials said on April 17. With this move, the total number of such schools brought under government control has risen to nearly 300 across the Union Territory.
The action is part of an ongoing crackdown on institutions believed to have connections with the banned outfit, which was declared unlawful under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2019 by the Union Home Ministry.
Order Cites Security and Legal Grounds
According to officials, the decision was taken after intelligence inputs flagged concerns about the managing committees of these schools. In several cases, authorities said the committees had either completed their tenure or were found to have adverse reports against members.
The education department has directed deputy commissioners to take over the management and ensure that academic activities continue without disruption. “All necessary steps must be taken to maintain quality education as per NEP 2020 norms,” the order stated.
Fresh Management with Police Verification
Authorities have also been instructed to propose new managing committees for these institutions. Every proposed member will require prior police clearance before being appointed.
Officials said that the aim is to ensure transparency and compliance with government norms while safeguarding students’ education.
Schools Earlier Run by Falah-e-Aam Trust
Many of the affected institutions were reportedly operated by the Falah-e-Aam Trust, which once managed a large network of schools in the region.
Before the ban, Jamaat-e-Islami ran around 350 schools in Jammu and Kashmir, educating nearly one lakh students. The trust had described itself as a non-political body focused on providing education without discrimination.
Video Shows Police Presence at School
A video circulating on social media showed armed police personnel outside a school in north Kashmir during the takeover process. While the authenticity of the video could not be independently verified, officials said the transition was carried out smoothly with police support.
Political and Legal Debate Likely
The move is expected to trigger political debate in Jammu and Kashmir. Critics have raised concerns over possible violations of minority rights under Article 30 of the Constitution, which allows communities to run their own educational institutions.
Some opposition leaders have earlier accused the government led by Omar Abdullah of overreach, while authorities maintain that organisations with alleged links to unlawful activities cannot be allowed to operate educational institutions.
Background and Ongoing Scrutiny
This is the second major phase of such action. In 2025, the administration had already taken over 215 schools linked to Jamaat.
Following the abrogation of Article 370 and reorganisation of the region in 2019, educational institutions—especially those associated with Jamaat—have been under increased scrutiny by security agencies.
Officials said the latest step is aimed at balancing security concerns with the need to ensure uninterrupted education for students.
