| News Details |
| Private Schools’ Association Convenes Crucial Meeting | | Calls For Time-Bound Elections; Emphasizes Fair Representation Of All Schools |
Srinagar, April 02 (Scoop News)- An important meeting of the Private Schools’ Association was convened under the leadership of J&K State Senior Vice President Manzoor Ahmad Rather, with participation of a large number of members and representatives from various districts of Jammu & Kashmir, both physically and virtually. The meeting deliberated upon key organisational and school matters, recent developments and the future course of action regarding the conduct of elections within the Association.
The participants recalled that after the retirement of founding State President G.N. Var in October 2025, an interim arrangement was made wherein an ad hoc president was entrusted with a specific and time-bound mandate of three months to conduct free, fair and transparent elections across all levels of the Association through an independent election commission. The said development was widely reported in top leading print, electronic and digital media platforms on 12 October 2025, clearly stating that the interim arrangement was meant only to facilitate democratic transition and ensure wider participation from grassroots level institutions.
It was also recalled that an independent election body had already been constituted comprising eminent personalities including G.N. Var, Founding President PSAJK; Mohammad Rafi, Former Director School Education; Molana Ghulam Qadir Banday, Muhtamim Jamia Zia-ul-Uloom Poonch and Abdul Qayoom Wani, Chairman J&K Civil Society Forum & Former President EJAC. However, school members expressed serious concern that the election commission members were reportedly not informed about the nomination of certain district bodies, despite the fact that such decisions affect schools across respective districts. Participants observed that some decisions appear to have been taken unilaterally without proper consultation, which has created confusion among stakeholders and raised questions regarding transparency and fairness in the process.
During the meeting, members further stated that sufficient time had already been provided for the conduct of free and fair elections. However, despite repeated assurances, elections have not been held so far. Instead, concerns were expressed that the process is being unnecessarily prolonged through the formation of selected district bodies, which may potentially influence or manipulate the election process, thereby defeating the very purpose of ensuring democratic representation.
During the meeting, members expressed serious concern that despite the passage of more than six months, the adhoc mandate of conducting transparent elections has not been fulfilled. Participants observed that the interim arrangement was originally intended only for a limited duration to ensure smooth transition of leadership; however, the delay in elections has created uncertainty and dissatisfaction among member schools.
The meeting also discussed various developments that took place during this period, including the constitution of certain committees and changes made without the consent or approval of the Executive Council. Members noted that such decisions have raised concerns about transparency, representation and adherence to the democratic framework of the Association.
J&K State Senior Vice President Manzoor Ahmad Rather, while addressing the meeting, referred to the developments following the retirement of founding President G.N. Var. He stated, “After the retirement of G.N. Var Sahib, it was clearly communicated in the widely published news dated 12 October 2025 that the ad hoc president was entrusted with a specific mandate of three months only to conduct free and fair elections through an independent election commission. That commitment was welcomed by the entire school fraternity. However, despite the passage of six months, the mandate remains unfulfilled, causing serious concern among member institutions across Jammu & Kashmir.”
He further stated, “Representatives from all districts gathered today to deliberate upon organisational issues and the need to restore democratic functioning within the Association. It was unanimously felt that elections must be conducted in a transparent manner from the grassroot level so that every school, irrespective of whether small or elite institutions, receives proper representation in the decision-making process.”
Participants further emphasized that credible information has surfaced suggesting that certain election-related activities are reportedly being carried out without the consultation or knowledge of the proposed independent election commission members. Such developments, members said, have created confusion among stakeholders and have raised questions regarding transparency of the process.
Bilal Ahmad Bhat, District President Srinagar, said, “As already stated in the widely published news dated 12 October 2025 after the retirement of founding President G.N. Var Sahib, the ad hoc body was given a clear three-month mandate to conduct free, fair and transparent elections through an independent election commission. However, even after the lapse of considerable time, the mandate remains unfulfilled. It is essential that elections are conducted from the grassroot level to ensure equal participation, transparency and proper representation of all member schools.”
District President Anantnag, Mohammad Syed Wani, in his detailed remarks, highlighted the need for restoring democratic principles within the Association and stated, “Following the retirement of G.N. Var Sahib, an interim arrangement was made with a clear and limited mandate to conduct free, fair and transparent elections through an independent election commission. Unfortunately, this mandate has not been fulfilled within the stipulated timeframe. Instead, certain unilateral decisions have been taken which do not reflect the spirit of collective leadership.”
He further added, “It has also been observed that elections are reportedly being conducted in certain areas without the involvement of an independent election commission. Such steps defeat the very objective of transparency and fairness. Budget schools, which form the backbone of our education system, must be adequately represented in the democratic structure of the Association.”
Syed Wani emphasized that raising genuine concerns should not be misunderstood as division, but rather seen as a constructive effort to strengthen institutional integrity. “When legitimate concerns are expressed by member schools, it should be viewed as a positive effort towards ensuring accountability, transparency and equal representation. True unity is based on justice, participation and fairness, not on exclusion.”
Dr. Yasir Bhat, District President Bandipora, stated, “G.N. Var Sahib has played a historic and pioneering role in shaping and strengthening the Private education sector in Jammu & Kashmir. His vision, dedication and lifelong contribution have provided a strong foundation for thousands of private educational institutions across the region. The remarkable growth, recognition and collective voice of private schools today is largely the result of his tireless efforts and commitment towards quality education. It is therefore our collective responsibility to preserve and strengthen the democratic structure and transparent functioning of the Association in a manner that truly reflects the values and legacy established by G.N. Var Sahib.”
District President Kulgam, Waseem Siddique, also reiterated the importance of inclusive representation and said, “The transition of leadership after the retirement of G.N. Var Sahib was expected to strengthen democratic values within the Association through timely elections. However, the delay in fulfilling the mandate has caused concern among member schools. It is important that elections are conducted through a credible and independent mechanism so that confidence among stakeholders is restored.”
The participants decided that Adhoc Committees will be constituted in every district for a specified period, until the completion of the final election process. These temporary committees will ensure smooth functioning of organizational affairs, after which a permanent representative body will be elected through a democratic process.
The participants unanimously resolved that a new Independent Election Commission will be constituted to conduct elections in a transparent and democratic manner within a period of one month. It was decided that the election process will commence from the grassroot level, including zonal and district bodies, ensuring participation of schools from remote as well as urban areas.
PSA members emphasized that the objective is to constitute a full-fledged representative body capable of addressing the genuine issues of schools, including academic concerns, regulatory matters, institutional challenges, and the welfare of students and teachers.
The participants also appealed to the concerned authorities not to entertain any representation claiming leadership position until free and fair elections are conducted through a duly constituted independent election commission representing all stakeholders.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen unity, transparency and democratic functioning within the Private Schools’ Association and to safeguard the interests of the private education sector across Jammu & Kashmir.
Participants including general members and executive members comprised Bilal Ahmad Bhat, District President Srinagar; Mohammad Syed Wani, District President Anantnag; Waseem Siddique, District President Kulgam; Yasir Bhat, District President Bandipora; Hilal Ahmad Khan, Vice President District Shopian; besides representatives from Kupwara, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Baramulla and members from Jammu and Chenab Valley who also participated virtually.
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