The Jammu and Kashmir government has assumed control of 215 schools affiliated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT). This move, initiated on Saturday, August 23, 2025, has drawn sharp criticism from various political parties in the valley. The government's decision is aimed at safeguarding the academic future of over 51,000 students enrolled in these institutions.
The process of taking over the management of these schools began on Saturday morning, with officials from district administrations, principals of nearby high and higher secondary schools, and police teams visiting the schools. These teams took charge of the schools, reviewed documents and infrastructure, and interacted with the staff. According to officials, the drive was conducted peacefully across the 10 districts of Kashmir without disrupting the students' education.
The School Education Department had ordered the takeover on Friday, citing the need to protect the students' academic prospects. The order stated that intelligence agencies had identified these schools as being directly or indirectly affiliated with the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its affiliate, Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT). The validity of the managing committees of these schools had expired, and these committees had received adverse reports from intelligence agencies. The Union Home Ministry had outlawed Jamaat in 2019.
Amidst the backlash against the order, which stipulated that District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners would take over the schools' managing committees, Education Minister Sakina Itoo claimed the order was "distorted" and not what she had approved. She stated that the intention was for cluster principals to oversee the schools temporarily until new committees were formed following CID verification. Itoo clarified that the government would be looking after these schools for three months until the review takes place and schools get management committees and CID verification.
Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including the PDP, People's Conference, Apni Party, and JeI-backed Justice and Development Front (JDF) J-K, have criticized the government's action. Some have called it an "administrative overreach" and a "painful reminder" of past betrayals. Handiwara MLA and Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference chief condemned the move, stating that "Shame and shamelessness have assumed new meanings in this government". PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said that the ruling party in J&K is going against its own people and implementing the BJP's agenda.
Conversely, the BJP defended the order, asserting it was taken to "safeguard the future of thousands of students across the region". A BJP spokesperson stated that Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliate Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT) exploited the platform of education to spread radicalization instead of knowledge.
Despite the opposition, the government maintains that the takeover is necessary to ensure quality education as per NEP norms and to prevent the alleged misuse of these institutions for propagating separatist ideologies. Education Minister Sakina Itoo has emphasized that the government's role is temporary and aimed at facilitating the formation of new, verified managing committees to ensure the smooth functioning and academic integrity of these schools.
