Srinagar, August 23, 2025 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday formally took over the management of 215 schools affiliated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its Falah-e-Aam Trust, enrolling over 51,000 students.
Teams of district officials, accompanied by police, visited the schools across all 10 districts of Kashmir to assume charge, check records, and interact with staff. Authorities said the takeover was carried out “peacefully and smoothly” without disrupting classes.
The School Education Department had issued the takeover order on Friday, citing expired managing committees and adverse intelligence reports. The government said the move was aimed at “safeguarding the academic future” of students.
Political parties including the PDP, People’s Conference, and Apni Party condemned the action, terming it “administrative overreach.” Justice and Development Front (JDF), formed by ex-JeI members, also denounced the decision. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti accused the government of “implementing BJP’s agenda.”
However, some welcomed the step. A teacher in Anantnag said it would “streamline functioning,” while a student expressed hope for better facilities and higher staff salaries.
The order empowers District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners to frame fresh managing committees after verification. Until then, officials said, nearby school principals will oversee the institutions.
The JeI has been banned twice under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act — in 2019 and again in 2024 — with intelligence agencies linking several schools to the proscribed organisation.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo clarified that she had approved a draft placing the schools under “cluster principals,” though the final order issued by the Education Secretary carried different wording.
