Suhail Khan
Srinagar, November 28: The Minister for School Education, Health & Medical Education, and Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, has issued renewed and stringent directives to all educational institutions and bookshops across the Union Territory, demanding strict adherence to official regulations.
This warning, the Minister’s second this month, signals a heightened crackdown on practices that exploit parents and students.
Speaking with Kashmir Convener, Minister Itoo detailed the ongoing enforcement measures. “The Education Department has already issued orders, and directions have been given to the board’s authorities. These orders are now being strictly implemented,” she stated.
“We have acted upon the numerous complaints we received,” the Minister continued. “As you may have seen, the affiliations of four out of eight investigated schools have been suspended, while fines have been imposed on more than four others. Every complaint is thoroughly examined, and any school found in violation will face action, just as these eight schools did. No one will be permitted to operate arbitrarily.”
Minister Itoo emphasized that all schools, whether private or government, are bound by a single, unified set of rules without exception. She firmly stated that no institution is permitted to impose unnecessary financial or material demands on students or their families.
“The welfare, safety, and academic comfort of students remain our top priority. Schools must operate with a spirit of public service, not commercial pressure, and bookshops must strictly abide by the regulations. Any violation of government directives will be met with serious consequences,” the Minister affirmed.
This latest order expands upon directives issued earlier this month, in which the Minister instructed Chief Education Officers (CEOs) across Kashmir to clamp down on unregistered coaching centres and the sale of overpriced textbooks. At that time, she had specifically called for a stringent campaign against private schools and agencies selling books at inflated prices.
Minister Itoo also appealed to parents to remain vigilant, report any irregularities, and support the government’s mission to build a transparent and student-friendly education system.
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