Srinagar, Sep 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA) has announced a landmark strategic collaboration with internationally acclaimed Finnish education expert and Director of Finland 2030 × Lifology, Meike Krautscheid, aimed at transforming the school education ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir and creating a more learner-centric, innovative and future-ready environment for students. The collaboration seeks to draw upon key principles associated with Finland’s education system, including child-centred learning, reduced academic stress, creativity, practical education, socio-emotional development and greater emphasis on skills and real-world learning, while adapting these ideas to the local educational and social context of Jammu and Kashmir. As part of the initiative, Meike Krautscheid, accompanied by Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA) representatives, undertook extensive visits to various private schools in Kashmir. The visits included interactions with school managements, teachers and students, observation of classroom practices and discussions on existing pedagogical approaches and the challenges confronting the education sector. The collaboration was also discussed in the presence of Nafisa Barodawala, Apex Training Educator and Soft Skills Trainer; PSA State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat; PSA Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo; PRO B.A. Shah and other stakeholders. Following the assessment visits, the Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA) and Meike Krautscheid jointly outlined a comprehensive roadmap focused on four key areas: teacher capacity building through specialised training in child-centric and modern pedagogy; academic exchange programmes to provide students, teachers and edu. leaders with international exposure; educational tourism through learning exchanges, retreats and academic forums and district-level Innovation Hubs to promote creativity, critical thinking and practical STEM-based learning. Speaking about her experience in Jammu and Kashmir, Meike Krautscheid, Director of Finland 2030, said her visit had provided an opportunity to understand the region’s educational environment, interact with school managements, teachers and students and explore areas where international collaboration could create practical value. “I am very happy to meet with the Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA), faculties and students here in Kashmir. One of the most important things to thrive in life is openness, compassion and love for what you do. Knowledge is the next step, but openness allows us to keep learning and growing”. Meike highlighted the importance of practical learning and giving students opportunities to gain experience beyond conventional classroom instruction. “Students should not only learn concepts, they should also get practical experiences. They need opportunities to experiment, create, solve problems and understand how knowledge works in real life. This is an important part of preparing young people for the future." On the possibility of creating exchange and training opportunities between Kashmir and Finland, Krautscheid said the partnership could be developed in several ways through the JKPSA and her international network. “If someone wants to experience Finland and its education system, receive training or explore different aspects of the Finnish learning environment, these opportunities can be arranged. The partnership can be developed in different ways and the Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association can play an important role in building that bridge." Meike encouraged students and educators in Jammu and Kashmir to remain curious, open-minded and willing to step beyond their comfort zones.  “Stay open and stay curious. Doors will open when you step outside your comfort zone. The internet gives us access to enormous amounts of knowledge, but experience also comes from encountering different cultures, mindsets and perspectives. Expand your mind, expand your perspective that is what can make a person truly successful in life." PSA State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat said the association was delighted to welcome  Meike Krautscheid to Jammu and Kashmir, describing the collaboration as a significant opportunity to jointly advance teacher capacity building, modern pedagogical practices, international academic exposure and future-oriented learning across the region.  “It is with immense pride and pleasure that we welcome Ms. Meike to Jammu and Kashmir. We are very happy to have her with us, we will organise specialised teacher-training programmes with her support. We also hope to facilitate visits by experts from Finland to Jammu & Kashmir so that our teachers can benefit from international experience and modern teaching practices." Bhat said the association’s larger vision was to create a schooling environment where academic excellence goes hand in hand with students’ emotional well-being, creativity and practical skills. “Our vision is to build a schooling model that reduces academic stress while empowering our children with future-ready skills. This collaboration is an important step towards bringing meaningful global practices into our classrooms while ensuring that every initiative remains relevant to the needs of our students and schools in Jammu and Kashmir."  JK-PSA Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo described the initiative as a major opportunity for the private school sector to establish a meaningful bridge between Jammu and Kashmir and Finland in the field of education sector. “On behalf of the Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA), I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Meike for visiting Kashmir, visiting our schools and spending valuable time with our leadership, teachers and students. We have visited several schools together and we strongly believe this collaboration will produce fruitful results in the future." Dr. Mattoo said the partnership would focus on teacher capacity building, academic exchange programmes, educational tourism and school-based Innovation Hubs.  “The Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA) will act as a bridge between Finland and Kashmir. We want to create opportunities for our students, teachers and school leaders to visit Finland, understand how education is imparted there and gain first-hand international exposure. At the same time, we want Finnish experts to come to Kashmir and share their experience with our educators." Dr. Mattoo called the collaboration a “golden opportunity” for the region’s private education sector. He said the initiative could help schools move beyond conventional teaching models and explore emerging pedagogies.  "We usually look at international pedagogies and try to learn from them. Meike is working at the level of creating and developing new pedagogies for the future. That makes this collaboration particularly valuable for us. It gives our schools an opportunity to explore innovative approaches rather than simply follow established models." The Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (PSA) described the collaboration as a significant step towards bringing global educational expertise and innovative practices to local schools, while ensuring that the region’s educational needs and cultural values. The initiative is aimed at building more progressive, inclusive, child-centric and future-ready education system that empowers students and strengthens educators for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The association reiterated its commitment to taking the initiative forward systematically in the coming months, with a particular focus on teacher training, student development, innovation, international exposure and future-ready education.

Srinagar, Sep 5: Minister for education Sakina Itoo Saturday said the government wanted to transform the Education Department into the best-performing department in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking during the Teachers’ Day function at SKICC, Sakina Itoo also appealed to teachers and officers to work as a team to strengthen government education and reduce dependence on private schools. “We want to build a better education system for the children of Jammu and Kashmir so that they do not have to go to private schools,” she said. She, however, called upon teachers to ensure that students are treated with care and compassion, saying every child should feel safe, important and loved in school. “Every child who goes to school should feel their own and love,” she said. She said the government was set to issue order for transfer policy for Rehbar-e-Taleem (RET) teachers and announced that she will move a resolution in the forthcoming Assembly session seeking withdrawal of the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for teachers in Jammu and Kashmir. She said the ReT transfer policy was already placed in the public domain and the government would shortly issue the final order. “The transfer policy of ReTs has already been put in the public domain. In a short time, the transfer policy will be completed in the public domain and we will issue an order,” she said. She added that the policy would address difficulties faced by ReT teachers, including those arising from health and marriage-related circumstances. The minister said the government was taking the issues confronting the teaching community seriously, saying that several orders were already issued while some other matters were also under consideration. “The pending issued will be considered soon and given a final shape,” she said. On the contentious TET issue, Sakina Itoo said there was widespread criticism of the test and announced that she would personally bring a resolution on the matter during the upcoming Assembly session. “We do not need the TeT here. The government will bring this resolution. As the education minister, I will bring this resolution myself in the Assembly,” she said. She said the move was aimed at protecting the dignity and respect of teachers who are the “pride” of the government. “My teachers are my pride. Through this resolution, their dignity and respect is not compromised,” Itoo said. She further assured the teachers that the government would continue efforts to ensure that their dignity was not compromised. The minister also defended teachers against the "disproportionate amplification" of isolated incidents on social media. She said the contribution of teachers, who spend years working with students, was often ignored while minor negative incidents were highlighted on social media platforms. “Today, if there is even a small mistake of our teacher, it is presented in such a big way, his contribution is not remembered,” she said. She further said the dignity of teachers cannot be protected by the government alone but the society also has a responsibility to respect and appreciate the community for their contribution. She said the schemes under Samagra Shiksha were implemented and benefits were extended to children in remote areas. She also referred to the Jammu and Kashmir e-Patshala initiative aimed at providing education in areas where poor internet connectivity disrupts online learning. The minister also hinted that the government was considering providing cash incentives along with medals and certificates to teachers receiving awards, although she acknowledged that it might not be possible immediately. She said the proposal was not merely about money but about recognising and enhancing the dignity of teachers. She expressed hope that the J&K Education Department would eventually rise to the top nationally, while calling for continued support from teachers and departmental officers.

Srinagar, Aug 19: The two-day National Conference on “Gender Equality in the 21st Century—Perspectives & Pathways to SDG-5” concluded at Government College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar, on Wednesday. The valedictory session reflected on the wide-ranging academic deliberations held during the conference and underlined the need to translate discussions on gender equality into meaningful social change. Prof. Mufti Mudasir, Professor and Head, Department of English, University of Kashmir, was the Special Guest at the valedictory session and delivered the Valedictory Address. In his address, Prof. Mudasir examined the question of gender justice through the prism of religious, intellectual and legal traditions, arguing for a critical and creative engagement with tradition rather than viewing tradition and reform as necessarily incompatible. Drawing upon Islamic intellectual history and particularly the thought of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, he highlighted how questions concerning women, justice and legal interpretation have been debated from within the intellectual tradition itself.  Prof. Mudasir discussed the historical challenges faced by women in matters such as marriage and divorce and Iqbal’s concern over interpretations that could produce inequitable outcomes. He maintained that commitment to religious and spiritual traditions could coexist with a vision of gender justice rooted in human dignity, compassion and fairness.  Prof. Mudasir stressed the importance of approaching questions of gender with intellectual openness while remaining sensitive to the cultural and religious contexts in which societies are situated. Earlier, Prof. Shabir Ahmed Parrey, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, delivered the Welcome Address while Prof. Mustafa Majid, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, presented the consolidated reports of the technical sessions. Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq said the conference witnessed deliberations on gender equality from diverse perspectives, including education, economics, political participation, literature, media, technology, environment and everyday social experience. The valedictory proceedings were moderated by Dr. Suhail Ahmad, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Journalism & Mass Communication while Prof. Sheba Drabu, Co-Convener of the conference, presented the Vote of Thanks. The session concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants.

Srinagar, Aug 14: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti Friday expressed serious concern over the reported deterioration of academic, administrative and financial affairs at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Rajouri. She urged the J&K Government to take immediate corrective measures to protect the interests of students and faculty. Mehbooba Mufti said BGSBU holds immense significance for the people of the Pir Panjal region and was established to provide quality higher education to students from Rajouri, Poonch and adjoining areas. She said the institution cannot be allowed to weaken on account of prolonged administrative and financial difficulties. She expressed concern over the prolonged absence of regular recruitment and the continued dependence on contractual and temporary academic arrangements.  She said repeated engagement of faculty on temporary terms cannot be a substitute for a transparent, regular and time-bound recruitment process, particularly in a university that caters to a large and geographically disadvantaged region. Mehbooba Mufti also expressed concern over reports of prolonged delays in the payment of salaries to university employees. Reports in recent months have highlighted allegations of salaries remaining unpaid for several months, alongside concerns relating to stalled promotions, administrative vacancies and declining research activity. She said such uncertainty not only affects the morale and dignity of employees but also has a direct bearing on the quality and continuity of academic work. “An institution of higher learning cannot be expected to flourish when its teachers and employees are uncertain about their salaries, departments remain dependent on temporary arrangements and legitimate career progression remains pending. BGSBU needs institutional stability, not temporary solutions,” she said. She said the concerns surrounding BGSBU should not be viewed as isolated administrative issues but as a larger question concerning the educational future of the Pir Panjal region. "For students who cannot afford to travel outside the region for higher education, the university remains a critical gateway to professional and academic opportunities," she added. While acknowledging the importance of ongoing infrastructure projects at the university, Mehbooba Mufti said physical infrastructure alone cannot ensure academic excellence. She stressed the need for regular faculty recruitment, adequately equipped laboratories, stronger research facilities, functional libraries, student support systems and a stable academic administration. She also expressed concern over the lack of adequate engagement with the university at the highest institutional level and urged the Chancellor and the J&K Government to visit the campus, interact with students, faculty and employees and take stock of the situation firsthand. She called upon Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Chancellor Manoj Sinha for their intervention and urged the administration to undertake a comprehensive review of the university’s academic, financial and administrative functioning and formulate a time-bound revival plan. “BGSBU is not merely another university. It is the educational lifeline of the Pir Panjal region. Years of neglect in recruitment, salaries, research and administration cannot be allowed to compromise the future of its students. The government must wake up and act before an entire generation is made to pay the price for institutional neglect,” Mehbooba Mufti said. The PDP President said strengthening BGSBU must be treated as a priority, with adequate financial support, regular recruitment, timely salaries, academic reforms and sustained investment in research and infrastructure, so that the university can fulfil the purpose for which it was established.

Kupwara, Aug 13: Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir (KU), Prof. Nilofer Khan Thursday visited the University’s Kupwara Campus and held a detailed interaction with students, faculty members, civil society representatives, educationists, district administration. The interaction was held to review the developmental needs, academic expansion and infrastructure requirements of the campus. The meeting was attended by senior University officers and academicians, including Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Prof. Pervez Ahmed, Dean, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Prof. Mubashir Masoodi, Director Kupwara Campus, Prof. G. M. Rather, Head, Department of Geography & Disaster Management, Chief Proctor Prof Imtiaz A Khan, Dr. Ashfaq Zarri, Special Secretary to VC and Joint Registrar Budget,  Altaf Ahmad, Joint Registrar Estates, and Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, Joint Registrar Development, officials from University's construction division besides representatives of the District Administration, including Peerzada Mumtaz, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Faisal Farooq, DFO Kehmil, AEE R&B Kupwara, JE, PDD Kupwara and other officials from the district administration. Representatives of civil society and district administration assured full cooperation for the planned development of the Campus. Later in the evening, Prof. Nilofer Khan also held a meeting with Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse to deliberate on the developmental requirements of the University’s Kupwara Campus and the need for close coordination between the University and district administration. The discussions focused on issues relating to road connectivity, demarcation and protection of University land, development of essential infrastructure and other administrative matters requiring inter-departmental coordination.  The Deputy Commissioner assured the Vice-Chancellor of full cooperation and support from the district administration in facilitating the planned and time-bound development of the Campus. Both sides emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts to address the infrastructural and developmental requirements of the institution and to ensure better educational facilities for students and youth of the region. Key issues discussed included demarcation and fencing of the University land, road connectivity, student amenities, transportation, hostel facilities, academic expansion and introduction of market-driven skill-based programmes. Regarding road connectivity, two feasible options for providing dedicated access to the Campus were explored with the officers deputed by the district administration. An on-the-spot GPS survey of the Campus land was also conducted by the University’s Department of Geography & Disaster Management in collaboration with the concerned forest division to facilitate accurate demarcation and future development planning. The Vice-Chancellor stressed on the strategic importance of the Kupwara Campus and directed that its development be pursued on priority. She also issued on-the-spot directions for establishing a high-standard canteen at the Campus to improve student facilities and approved the procurement of two Winger-type vehicles to strengthen transportation and logistical support for the Campus. The development of hostel facilities for girls was also discussed as an important requirement. On the academic front, Prof. Khan directed the introduction of market-driven and industry-oriented skill courses to enhance employability and create better career opportunities for the youth of the region. She assured that the University would take forward the process for starting B.Sc. Nursing and Paramedical programmes at the Campus. The University will also explore additional skill-oriented and employment-focused programmes, including emerging disciplines such as Fashion Technology and other professional courses, in response to the educational and career aspirations of local youth. Addressing the stakeholders, Prof. Nilofer Khan said that Kashmir University was committed to developing the Kupwara Campus as a vibrant centre of quality education,  skill development and academic excellence. She said that its growth remains aligned with the educational aspirations and developmental needs of the region. She stressed on the importance of coordinated efforts between the University and district administration for the planned, coordinated and time-bound resolution of infrastructural and developmental issues. She further emphasised that the introduction of skill-oriented and industry-linked programmes would create greater educational and career opportunities for students and youth of the region. Prof. Khan also interacted with students and faculty members, taking feedback on academic and campus-related issues and resolved some grievances on the spot. She also met members of the civil society to seek their suggestions for further strengthening the institution’s engagement with the local community. She assured the stakeholders that the concerns and suggestions raised during the visit, especially the growing demand for more need-based and employment-focused courses, would be taken up on priority and that the University would work closely with the concerned departments, district administration and local community for their timely resolution. The visit also featured a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Rally’ at the Kupwara Campus, in which students, faculty and staff participated with patriotic enthusiasm. The activity brought the campus community together as part of the University’s Independence Day observances.

Srinagar, Aug 3: Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gujarat, an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs, on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Kashmir (KU) to strengthen academic collaboration through joint research, student and faculty exchange programmes, internships, and skill development initiatives. The agreement was signed at the office of the Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, by Director of RRU's Jammu and Kashmir Campus, Dr. Mahesh Tripathi, and Registrar, University of Kashmir, Prof. (Dr.) Naseer Iqbal, on behalf of their respective institutions. The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. (Dr.) Neelofar Khan, Lifetime Professor at RRU Prof. (Dr.) Mehraj Ud Din Mir, Head and Dean School of Law University of Kashmir Prof. (Dr.) Shahnaz, Special Secretary to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Zari, Senior Law Faculty at RRU Dr. Mudasir Bhat and Senior Law Faculty School of Law KU Dr. Mohammad Yaseen Wani. As per the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate on joint research projects, student and faculty exchange programmes, internships, and credit transfers under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). The partnership will also focus on teacher training, consultancy, and capacity building in areas including national security, behavioural and forensic sciences, law, police administration, criminology, and other multidisciplinary fields. Officials said the collaboration is aimed at promoting academic excellence and creating greater opportunities for students and faculty through shared expertise and institutional resources. The MoU is expected to enhance academic, research, professional and extension activities between the two universities while fostering closer cooperation in emerging areas of higher education and national security studies.

Srinagar, Jul 23: In a significant development, Baramulla-based educator and Fulbright Fellow Rameez Ahmad Sudhan has been selected to present his research paper at the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) Northeast Regional Conference. The conference is scheduled from November 13 to 15 at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. The paper was accepted after a competitive peer-review process for the international conference, which will focus on education, migration and displacement. The event is organised by the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES), one of the world's leading academic bodies in the field of education, bringing together researchers, policymakers and practitioners from across the globe. Sudhan is currently serving at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Baramulla, where his work focuses on continuous professional development of teachers, development of educational resources and supporting schools in implementing competency-based learning in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the NIPUN Bharat Mission. According to the organisers, the conference aims to promote interdisciplinary research on migration, displacement and education while providing a platform for emerging scholars.  Sudhan's study highlights the educational experiences of communities that remain underrepresented in global academic discourse. Reacting to the development, Sudhan said the acceptance of his paper was an opportunity to present educational experiences from Jammu and Kashmir before an international audience. He described it as recognition of the resilience shown by students, teachers and communities in the region. He also acknowledged the support of his department and colleagues, saying they had provided opportunities for professional growth and learning in line with the vision of NEP 2020. "Education is a powerful instrument for resilience, peace-building and hope. The experiences of children and educators in Jammu and Kashmir deserve greater international attention," he said. The acceptance of the research paper marks a notable international recognition for an educator from Jammu and Kashmir and reflects the region's growing contribution to global educational research.

Srinagar, Jul 22: The Private Schools' Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) Wednesday clarified that no elections of the association were held under its banner on July 18 at Hotel Palms, saying that claims of an election conducted on that day were "false, misleading and unconstitutional." The clarification came after a meeting of the PSAJK State Executive Committee was held to discussed recent developments concerning individuals claiming to represent the association. In a statement, the committee said reports suggesting that "for the first time elections of PSAJK were conducted" on July 18 were contrary to the association's constitution and hye-laws. The committee further announced the termination of the basic membership of office-bearers who allegedly participated in the July 18 proceedings, accusing them of financial irregularities, embezzlement of association funds and failure to submit audited accounts despite repeated directions. According to PSAJK, the former president had already retired from office and was only serving in an ex-officio capacity until October 12, 2025, without any authority to convene or authorise elections. The association said that, under its Constitution, no Annual General Meeting (AGM), Special General Meeting or election process can be convened without the approval of the President on the recommendation of the State Executive Committee. It said any exercise undertaken outside this framework is "null and void." PSAJK condemned attempts by a "self-styled and illegitimate group" to mislead the school fraternity and the public. The executive committee approved the continuation of legal proceedings and complaints before competent law enforcement agencies for the recovery of association funds and action against former office-bearers accused of financial irregularities. The executive committee of PSAJK also resolved to inform financial institutions and other relevant authorities about the termination of the concerned individuals and the alleged illegitimacy of any group claiming to function on behalf of PSAJK without constitutional authority. Reiterating the legitimacy of the existing leadership, the Committee said the association's recognised elections had already been conducted in accordance with prescribed norms, with the participation of member schools, for a three-year term. It alleged that a few retired and terminated individuals were attempting to undermine the elected body for "ulterior motives." The committee appealed to member schools, stakeholders, government departments and the general public to recognise only those office-bearers functioning in accordance with the PSAJK Constitution and to disregard claims made by any unauthorised persons or groups.

Anantnag, Jul 18: The Private Schools' Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) Friday organised an educational conclave at Lucent Global School, Batengoo, Anantnag. The event was attended by school leaders, principals, administrators, teachers, and management representatives from across the district. Prof. Parvaiz Mir Director, CIED-IUST Foundation was the Chief Guest at the occasion. In his keynote address, Prof. Mir emphasized the need to foster innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, and institutional excellence in schools. He highlighted the importance of aligning educational institutions with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and encouraged school leaders to cultivate a culture of creativity, research, and future readiness among students. The conclave was presided over  State President, PSAJK Dr Baba Nazrul Islam. In his presidential address, he presented the association's roadmap for strengthening private school education through visionary leadership, organizational unity, quality assurance, and continuous professional development. He urged all stakeholders to work collectively for the advancement of school education and reaffirmed PSAJK's commitment to safeguarding the interests of educational institutions while promoting academic excellence.  The green campus initiative of PSAJK will be pledged for the next three years while  the segregation of waste will reach to each kitchen.  The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Qur'an, followed by a welcome address by the District President, PSAJK Anantnag Ashfaq  Ahmad , who welcomed the distinguished guests and participants. The first technical session was delivered by Prof. Parvaiz Mir on "Empowering School Leadership for Quality Education and Institutional Excellence." The second technical session was conducted by Qadir Ahmad Khan, renowned Life Skill Speaker and Master Trainer, who spoke on "Innovation, Compliance, Collaboration and Future Readiness in School Education." The programme also featured an interactive question-and-answer session, followed by reflections from Er. Zulfqar Sideqi, Vice President (South), PSAJK, on strengthening collaboration among member institutions. Shafiqul Islam, Senior Vice President, PSAJK, addressed the gathering on the importance of organizational unity, emphasizing that a united Association is the key to achieving educational transformation. The conclave concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the General Secretary, PSAJK Anantnag, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, resource persons, participants, organizers, and the management of Lucent Global School for hosting the event. PSAJK reiterated its commitment to organizing such capacity-building initiatives across Jammu & Kashmir to empower school leaders, enhance institutional excellence, and contribute meaningfully to the transformation of education in the Union Territory.