SRINAGAR: In a major welfare initiative aimed at promoting equitable access to education, the Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday announced a 100 per cent fee waiver for students of Classes IX to XII belonging to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families studying in government schools across the Union Territory.
The announcement was made during the Education Conclave-2026, “Buniyaad Se Bulandi Tak,” where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also distributed appointment letters to 117 newly-selected school lecturers, launched 2,109 education infrastructure works worth over ₹115 crore, and felicitated meritorious students and teachers.
An order issued by the School Education Department said the sanction for a full fee waiver has been accorded with immediate effect as a welfare measure to ensure equitable access to education.
“Sanction is hereby accorded to the grant of Full Fee Waiver for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) students studying in Classes IX to XII in all Government Schools of Jammu and Kashmir as a welfare measure for promoting equitable access to education with immediate effect,” the order stated.
The fee waiver will be applicable only to students studying in Classes IX to XII in government schools who belong to households covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and possess a valid AAY ration card or any other document prescribed by the government.
Under the scheme, eligible students will be exempted from payment of all fees levied by government schools. However, fees payable to any outside statutory authority or examining body, where the School Education Department is not competent to grant exemption, will continue to be governed by existing rules unless specifically waived by the competent authority.
The government has directed Heads of Institutions to verify the eligibility of every beneficiary before granting the fee waiver and maintain proper records for audit, inspection and verification.
The order further states that the financial implications of the scheme will be worked out by the Directorates of School Education, Jammu and Kashmir, and communicated to the Administrative Department for reimbursement through the Finance Department.
The Directors of School Education, Jammu and Kashmir, have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the scheme, including beneficiary verification, record maintenance, monitoring and submission of periodic reports.
The order has been issued with the concurrence of the Finance Department and the approval of the competent authority.
Addressing the conclave, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the younger generation in Jammu and Kashmir was surpassing previous generations in confidence, innovation and ideas.
“The next generation is leaving us behind in every way. The way they think, present their ideas and speak reflects a real generational shift, and that augurs well for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Interacting with students, the Chief Minister said he spent much longer than scheduled at an exhibition showcasing student innovations because every stall had something new to offer.
He praised students for developing practical solutions, including technologies to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards and cyber fraud.
Referring to a project on fake UPI applications, Omar said the students had identified a fraud affecting small traders and even shared their findings with the police.
“A loss of Rs 100 may not matter much to some people, but for someone who earns daily wages, it can make the difference between survival and hardship. If technology developed by these students can prevent such fraud, it can make a real difference,” he said.
Quoting a student speaker, Abdullah highlighted the line, “Opportunity should not be defined by geography,” saying it reflected the government’s vision for education.
He acknowledged disparities in educational opportunities between urban and remote areas and said these must be bridged.
“Children in Srinagar should have the same opportunities as those in Kupwara, Kishtwar, Kathua or Poonch. Today, we have to admit there is a difference, and it is our responsibility to bridge that gap,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government had already started implementing several education-related announcements made in the Budget and credited Education Minister Sakina Itoo for translating those commitments into action.
While acknowledging that change takes time, Abdullah said it would be incorrect to suggest that no progress was being made.
“People are working and we will continue to do more,” he said.
Describing teachers as the backbone of society, the Chief Minister said every profession begins with a teacher.
“A doctor becomes a doctor because a teacher builds that foundation. An engineer, a soldier and every professional begins with education. That is why strengthening school and higher education remains our priority,” he said.
Congratulating the 117 newly-appointed lecturers, Abdullah urged them to view their assignments as a responsibility towards the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
“You are not just serving a school. You are shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir. If you perform your duties with dedication, our future will be stronger,” he said.
During the conclave, the Chief Minister also felicitated 67 meritorious school and college students and honoured National Award-winning teachers, reiterating the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure, strengthening teachers’ service conditions and ensuring quality education reaches every child across Jammu and Kashmir.
“I leave this conclave with renewed confidence in the future of Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said.
