SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, has ordered stringent action against private schools that are arbitrarily increasing fees and violating established norms. The minister warned that the exploitation of parents through unjustified fee hikes would not be tolerated.
The directive came during a comprehensive review meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) held at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. The minister assessed the board’s administrative functions, academic reforms, examination preparedness, and the effectiveness of its grievance redressal mechanisms. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Education Ram Niwas Sharma, JKBOSE Chairman Ghulam Hassan Sheikh, Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani, and other senior officials.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Minister Itoo emphasized the importance of technology integration in governance, the timely announcement of examination results, and enhanced coordination between JKBOSE and the broader school education authorities. She underscored that JKBOSE must operate as an institution focused on student welfare, ensuring impartiality, transparency, and academic distinction.
Crackdown on Fee Hikes
Expressing significant concern over numerous complaints regarding unjustified fee increments by private educational institutions, Minister Itoo mandated the formation of joint inspection committees. These committees will comprise officials from the School Education Department and JKBOSE, tasked with conducting regular monitoring of both JKBOSE and CBSE-affiliated schools across the Union Territory. She issued a stern warning that strict punitive measures would be implemented against any institutions found to be in violation of regulations.
“Schools are expected to operate with a strong sense of responsibility and transparency. Any attempt to exploit students or their parents through unauthorized fee structures will be met with zero tolerance,” the Minister asserted. She further directed that inspections should be continuous and that grievance redressal mechanisms must be made more effective.
JKBOSE Reforms and Digital Initiatives
The Minister also instructed JKBOSE to expedite the declaration of Class 10 results for students in the Summer Zone areas. She commended the reforms already implemented to enhance operational efficiency, including improvements in textbook availability.
During a detailed presentation, the Chairman of JKBOSE highlighted key reforms being undertaken in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These include advancements in curriculum development, the integration of vocational education, the implementation of inclusive education strategies, reforms in examination processes, and digital transformation initiatives. He reported that 71 out of 89 JKBOSE textbooks have been digitized and made available on the DIKSHA platform. Furthermore, approximately 9 lakh students utilized JKBOSE services during the 2025-26 academic year, and over 51.65 lakh student records have been successfully integrated with DigiLocker.
The JKBOSE Chairman also detailed the inclusive education provisions being implemented in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD Act). These measures include exemptions, provision of assistive facilities for students with disabilities, and relaxations in examination requirements. He noted that significant digital advancements, such as the implementation of e-Office, the rollout of online services for admissions and examinations, and real-time student data integration, have substantially boosted the Board’s efficiency and transparency.
JKBOSE also briefed the Minister on forthcoming reforms, which include the introduction of dual-level mathematics options at the secondary stage, the expansion of vocational training programs in collaboration with the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), and a pilot initiative to introduce Holistic Progress Cards in PM SHRI schools.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing equitable and quality education, the Minister urged all stakeholders to collaboratively ensure the establishment of a transparent, accountable, and student-friendly education system throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Times News Desk