In a distressing turn of events, the Saint Joseph School in Baramulla, a 119-year-old institution with a celebrated legacy in North Kashmir, is facing imminent closure. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) recently denied Registration Return Forms (RRFs) to private schools, leaving parents and students devastated.
The school, which has been operating on state land in Baramulla district, is now on the brink of shutdown as authorities refuse to register students for board examinations due to a lack of land lease documents. This development has caused immense distress among parents and students.
Despite efforts by the school management to renew their lease, the renewal file has been pending with the Divisional Commissioner since April 2022. The school received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Revenue Department, but their attempts to renew affiliation and register students have been futile. Various appeals to authorities, including the Principal Secretary of Revenue, Principal Secretary of School Education, and Chairman of BOSE, have yielded no action.
The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the situation. G N War, President of the PSAJK, emphasized the gravity of the decision, stating that it not only disrupts the lives of countless families but also shatters the dreams of children. This arbitrary decision by authorities has cast a dark shadow over the future of education in Kashmir, jeopardizing the academic progression of tens of thousands of students.
Moreover, the President added that the closure of Registration Return Forms not only leaves students in limbo but also poses a threat to the livelihoods of teachers and school staff. While the J&K High Court has directed authorities to comply with its orders, the continued non-implementation raises concerns about the administration’s commitment to the rule of law and citizen welfare.
The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir has urged the intervention of the Lieutenant Governor’s office to reverse this decision and ensure the smooth functioning of private education in Kashmir.
The plight of Saint Joseph School in Baramulla highlights the larger issue faced by private schools in the valley. It is imperative that a solution is found promptly to protect the education and future of countless students. The closure of such a historic institution would not only be a loss to the local community but also a setback for the overall education landscape in the region.
Efforts must be made to address the concerns of private schools and ensure that they can continue to provide quality education to students. The authorities need to take immediate action to resolve this matter and prevent further disruption to the lives and aspirations of young learners.
