J&K Government Begins Process of Taking Over 215 Schools Linked to Banned Jamaat-e-Islami, Assures Students’ Future Safe
60,000 Students, 4,000 Staff Affected as Govt Moves to End Jamaat-e-Islami’s Influence in Education
Srinagar, August 23: In a significant move aimed at tightening oversight of institutions linked to proscribed organizations, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday began the formal process of taking control over 215 schools found affiliated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its subsidiary, Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT).
Officials confirmed that joint teams comprising district administration and police personnel visited these institutions across the Kashmir Valley in the morning hours to implement the order. Principals of nearby higher secondary schools were asked to accompany the teams to facilitate immediate transition of management.
The School Education Department had issued orders on Friday directing the takeover of these schools, following adverse reports by intelligence agencies regarding their functioning and management. “The Managing Committees of these schools shall henceforth be taken over by the respective District Magistrates or Deputy Commissioners, who will propose fresh committees after due verification,” the order stated.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had first declared Jamaat-e-Islami as an unlawful association in February 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a ban which was later extended in February 2024. Intelligence inputs had pointed out that several schools were directly or indirectly functioning under JeI or FAT, raising concerns over potential indoctrination and misuse of educational platforms.
Officials emphasized that the primary objective behind this move is to safeguard the academic interests of the nearly 60,000 students and around 4,000 staff members associated with these schools. District heads have been tasked with ensuring that academic continuity remains unaffected, while measures are also being initiated to align curricula with National Education Policy (NEP) norms and guarantee quality education.
The list includes 53 schools in Baramulla, 37 in Anantnag, 36 in Kupwara, 21 in Pulwama, 20 in Budgam, 16 in Kulgam, 15 in Shopian, six each in Bandipora and Ganderbal, and four in Srinagar. Officials said the process would soon extend to schools in Jammu region that were under FAT’s ambit.
The scrutiny of FAT schools began in 2022, revealing that several institutions were either still under community-led managing committees linked to Jamaat or had altered their ownership structures while continuing to operate in a supervisory capacity. Over the years, some FAT-run schools had already been merged with government institutions, but intelligence reports maintained that dozens continued to operate under indirect influence.
Authorities have clarified that the step is preventive in nature and not intended to disrupt the education of enrolled students. On the contrary, district administrations have been instructed to take “all necessary measures to ensure quality education” and to implement safeguards so that young learners are shielded from any ideological exploitation.
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