Reality Check for Private Schools in Kashmir
The Director of School Education Kashmir, Dr. Tassaduq Hussain, has sparked an important debate across the Valley by addressing the contentious practice of private schools conducting interviews for admissions to pre-nursery, nursery, and LKG classes. This approach, widely criticized for putting undue pressure on young children and their families, stands in violation of the National Education Policy (NEP).
In a recent media interaction, Dr. Tassaduq stated, “The NEP does not allow interviews of children. If schools are engaging in such practices, they are likely interviewing parents instead. We will discuss this issue in an upcoming meeting and issue clear directions shortly.”
Implementation: A Litmus Test for Authorities
While this announcement has been met with optimism, it raises critical questions about implementation. Parents and educationists alike are questioning whether these directives will be applied uniformly to all schools or if smaller, less influential institutions will bear the brunt of enforcement while elite schools find ways to circumvent the rules.
In Kashmir, elite schools often operate with exorbitant fees under various guises, flouting regulations with impunity. Past reforms—such as the ban on admission fees—were diluted by rebranding these fees as “administrative charges,” creating additional financial burdens for parents. Observers fear similar loopholes may now be exploited to bypass NEP guidelines on interviews.
Bridging the Divide: An Urgent Necessity
Parents argue that real change will only come when policies are implemented uniformly, addressing disparities between Above Poverty Line (APL) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Elite institutions, often catering to affluent families, continue to thrive, while smaller schools struggle to meet basic standards. This glaring divide underscores the urgent need for reforms that ensure equal access to quality education for all children, irrespective of their socio-economic background.
Parents Demand Transparent Measures
Voices from across the Valley are calling for swift action to ensure that all schools—regardless of their influence or resources—comply with the NEP and other regulations. Parents demand a fair and transparent admission process, free from stress and financial exploitation, and urge authorities to hold even the most prominent institutions accountable.
As the Directorate of School Education Kashmir prepares to release its formal guidelines, the hope is for decisive action that not only addresses these practices but also paves the way for an equitable education system. It is high time to blur the lines of disparity and ensure that every child in Jammu and Kashmir has an equal opportunity to access quality education.
