Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo strongly criticized PDP President Mehbooba Mufti for questioning the government’s decision to take over the management of schools run by the Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT). Speaking to ANI, Itoo emphasized that political leaders should not play with the careers of students.

“This confusion is being created in the public that the FAT schools have been banned by the government. I feel ashamed of those who call themselves educated. They should first see the condition of these schools after 2019. There is no registration, no management committee, and the same people were in the government then. Don’t play with the career of students,” the Education Minister said.

On Saturday, Mehbooba Mufti questioned the timing of the government’s decision to take over 215 schools affiliated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and FAT. “Why are they taking over them now? For the past eight years, there has been no takeover, so why today, when a popular government has been elected? They are playing with the sentiments of people and the education system. This is not right,” Mufti told.

The government order states that the Managing Committee of these 215 schools will be taken over by the respective District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners, who will propose a fresh committee after verifying the schools. The decision was made as the validity of the existing committees had expired and adverse reports were received from Intelligence Agencies. The order also emphasizes that the academic future of the students should not be affected, and quality education must be maintained in line with National Education Policy (NEP) norms.

However, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) leader Reyaz Ahmad Khan noted that the order does not entirely reflect the government’s initial intention, as Education Minister Itoo had previously indicated that principals of nearby schools would temporarily manage these schools until verification was completed.