J&K Govt. Prohibits Education Department from Mandating Student Participation in Political Rallies
SRINAGAR, Jan 25 — In a decisive move to uphold the apolitical nature of educational institutions, the Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a ban on directives requiring students or staff from participating in political rallies or programs. The decision follows widespread criticism over a controversial circular issued by the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Poonch, instructing schools to send students and teachers to a rally organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student wing affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The order, issued by the School Education Department, explicitly prohibits officers at all levels — from Chief Education Officers to school heads — from compelling participation in politically motivated events. “It is enjoined upon all the officers, including Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, and Heads of Institutions under the School Education Department, to refrain from granting permission or issuing directives for students or staff to participate in any political program, rally, or similar activity organized by political entities,” the circular stated.
The controversy erupted after the earlier circular, directing Poonch school authorities to ensure student participation in the ABVP-organized “Tiranga rally,” drew sharp criticism from various quarters. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was particularly vocal, accusing the government of using the education system as a “propaganda tool.”
PDP leader Waheed Para lambasted the administration for what he called a glaring contradiction in its approach. “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah used to condemn such orders before elections. Now, this blatant transformation under his government stands as its only ‘achievement’ in the last 100 days,” he remarked on social media platform X.
Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, also expressed strong disapproval. “The education department under the NC government has made it mandatory for private and public school students in Poonch to attend an ABVP rally. Forcing students to participate in ideological events tied to an organization that normalizes anti-Muslim bigotry is unacceptable,” she stated in a post.
The criticism intensified when another directive surfaced from the Youth Services and Sports Department in Doda, deputing officers to assist with a Kabaddi and wrestling championship organized by the ABVP. The order was swiftly withdrawn following public backlash.
Education Minister Sakina Itoo, sharing the government’s latest circular on X, emphasized that the directive aimed to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The circular also instructed Chief Education Officers to closely monitor compliance and report any violations. “In case of any such deviation, the Chief Education Officer concerned shall immediately inform the respective Director of School Education for further instructions,” it stated.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between political entities and educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. Critics argue that leveraging schools for political purposes undermines the integrity of education and disrupts the academic environment. The opposition, particularly the PDP, views this as an orchestrated effort to propagate a specific ideological agenda.
“The government should focus on resolving pressing issues like rationalizing the reservation policy or ensuring transparent recruitment, rather than facilitating events for politically aligned organizations like the ABVP,” Iltija Mufti remarked in another post.
