At education conference, PSAJK hints of shifting affiliations with national Board amid 'growing hurdles, roadblocks of JKBOSE'

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-04-13 20:57:07 |

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Muhammad Adnan

Srinagar, April 13:

The Private Schools Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) on Sunday hinted towards shifting affiliations of the schools with National Boards.

The remarks were made by the State President PSAJK in his address at an education conference held at Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, Srinagar, on the theme of “Educational Challenges in Jammu & Kashmir and the Probable Way Out.”

The event brought together some of the most respected names in education, including national-level experts, university officials, environmental activists and representatives of private schools from across Jammu & Kashmir.

The education conference commenced with a deeply moving ceremony that left a lasting impression on every attendee.

The distinguished guests were received with utmost warmth, greeted by vibrant flower bouquets.

The conference was attended by educators and experts, including Dr. Nagendra Prasad Singh (IAS) Chairman, Bhartiya Shiksha Board,  Prof. B S Murty Director IIT Hyderabad,  Prof. Naseer Iqbal Registrar University of Kashmir, Ashok Kumar Thakur International award-winning educationist and Chairman Muni International School New Delhi,  Prof. M A Shah NIT Srinagar.
The conference also witnessed participation from several prominent education leaders, including G N Var State President PSAJK, Faisal Islam Mir General Secretary, Shah Gulzar Chief Organiser PSAJK, Ishrat Tanki President Womens' Wing PSAJK, Majid Bhat Divisional Organiser Central Kashmir, Bilal Bhat District President Srinagar, Tahir Wagay District Secretary, Syed Rufaida Soliha PSAJK PRO, Er Muhammad Shukiel Dar Chairman, Er Muhammad Shahid Dar Director Crescent Public School Srinagar, Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo Chairman, Bilaliya Educational Institute, M Y Wani Chairman Green Valley Educational Institute and Senior education leader Mushtaq Canny, Farooq Fazili Chairman Dolphin International School Pulwama were among others.

The audience comprised of a large gathering of educational leaders, School Chairpersons, school principals, teachers, students and intellectuals.
Chairman of the Bhartiya Shiksha Board (BSB) Dr. Nagendra Singh in his speech, said the Bhartiya Shiksha Board was a legally recognized national education board.

"It aims to promote a truly Indian system of education, deeply rooted in our cultural and intellectual heritage. The Board is on par with the CBSE and various other state boards," he said.

Dr. Singh also stated that this marks the first time the Government of India has established a national education board through its own initiative.

"Kashmir has played a pivotal role in shaping India's identity. The rise of India is incomplete without acknowledging the rise of Kashmir — a land steeped in knowledge, service, and spiritual elevation," he said.

He said this region has given rise to some of the nation’s most distinguished and influential figures.

Regarding the concerns, problems, and grievances raised by the private schools of Jammu and Kashmir, he, as a representative of the National School Board, assured the gathering that that he will examine each of them in detailed and work towards actionable solutions..

“I understand the policy and administrative challenges. Many misunderstandings arise from the way policies are framed and communicated. But I promise to do my utmost to work with you as a team to address these issues effectively," he said.

Prof. B S Murty Director of IIT Hyderabad in his address said India will truly become a Viksit Bharat when its education system empowers students not just to seek high-paying jobs, but to pursue meaningful innovation and contribute to nation-building across diverse fields.

"It is essential to instill a deep sense of national pride, interdisciplinary thinking and creative freedom from the school level itself," he said.

Prof. Murty also emphasized the importance of early innovation and entrepreneurship.

State President PSAJK G N Var in his address said PSAJK was seriously considering shifting its affiliation to other national education boards.

He said this while referring to the persistent challenges created by the J&K Board of School Education, including unnecessary hurdles, redundant NOCs, increased fees, the imposition of GST, and the unjust harassment of students under the pretext of late fees.

"Currently, hundreds of files related to registration and renewal are pending, and schools are being subjected to various unnecessary NOCs. These issues have been raised time and again and to date, no concrete policy has been adopted with regard to the private education sector," he said.

Var also said that the recent refusal by the JKBOSE to allow students to appear in examinations due to minor technicalities, despite schools having complied with core requirements, reflects a deeply bureaucratic and insensitive approach.

"If the situation continues, we will have no choice but to seek affiliation with national boards such as the Bhartiya Shiksha Board and others. Our top priority is the future of our students, and on that, we cannot and will not compromise," he said.
Chairman, Muni International School, New Delhi Ashok Kumar Thakur, in his address said the idea of education must go beyond textbooks and exams.

"It must prepare students to be self-aware, independent thinkers, and change-makers in their communities. Kashmir’s youth is bright—they need the right platform and a compassionate, innovative system to shine globally," he said.
Prof. M A Shah from NIT Srinagar said that Kashmir always had a rich intellectual legacy but we must make science and technology accessible at the school level.

"We need to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The future lies in critical thinking, creativity and collaboration," he said.