Srinagar, Apr 18:In a major administrative move, the Jammu and Kashmir government has directed the takeover of the management of 58 schools that were found to have links with the banned organisation Jamaat-e-Islami and its associated body, Falah-e-Aam Trust, officials said.
The directive was issued by the Secretary of the School Education Department in continuation of earlier notifications from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, under which Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir had been declared an unlawful organisation under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
According to officials, recent assessments by security and intelligence agencies identified dozens of operational schools that were either directly or indirectly connected with the said organisations. It was also noted that in several cases the tenure of the existing management committees had lapsed or their functioning had come under adverse review.
Following these findings, the government has instructed the respective Deputy Commissioners to assume control of the administration of these institutions. The Deputy Commissioners will oversee the process and later recommend new management committees after completing the required verification procedures.
Authorities said the step has been taken primarily to protect the educational interests of students studying in these schools. Officials have been asked to ensure that classes and examinations continue smoothly and that normal academic activities are not disrupted.
The order further directs district administrations to work closely with the School Education Department to maintain academic standards in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) guidelines and to ensure continuity in teaching and learning.
Teams comprising officials from the School Education Department and local administration have already been assigned to visit the affected schools and implement the necessary administrative arrangements.
Officials also recalled that similar action had been taken earlier, including a government decision in August 2025 to assume control of more than 200 schools affiliated with the same organisations across the Union Territory as part of ongoing regulatory and administrative measures.
