JKBOSE Takes Action: Derecognizes Four Private Schools and Fines Eight Others for Textbook Rule Violations
Four Private Schools Lose Affiliation, Eight Fined for Breaching JKBOSE Textbook Rules: Joint Secretary
Strict enforcement of SRO 123; Board-approved books mandatory for all private schools
Srinagar, Nov 19: In a decisive move to uphold academic standards, the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has taken stringent action against several private schools for using textbooks not authorized by the Board.
Speaking to the media, JKBOSE Joint Secretary Shahnaz Chowdary told Kashmir News Corner (KNC) that four private schools are set to be derecognized, while eight others have been penalized for violating the Board’s guidelines.
“Inspection teams were dispatched to different districts, and wherever we found the use of unapproved private publishers’ books, action was initiated. Eight schools have been fined, and affiliation of four institutions is being revoked,” she said.
Chowdary reiterated that all JKBOSE-affiliated private schools must strictly follow SRO 123. “Clause 11 clearly mandates the use of only Board-prescribed textbooks. Our books are NCERT-aligned to support both academic growth and competitive exam preparation,” she added.
She also highlighted the financial impact on parents due to private publications. “Private books impose a heavy burden, costing thousands of rupees, whereas Board textbooks are priced affordably in hundreds,” she said, advising parents to ensure their children follow the prescribed curriculum.
Regarding the 2020 bag policy aimed at reducing student workload, Chowdary added, “Nursery and primary students should carry no school bags, while students in classes one and two should limit their bag weight to 1–1.3 kilograms. Education should remain stress-free and not be dependent on excessive textbooks.”
On past legal challenges, she said, “In 2022, some schools approached the court seeking permission to use private publications. Even then, the Hon’ble court upheld the Board’s authority under Section 26, confirming that schools must follow JKBOSE-approved textbooks.”
To address concerns from parents, grievance cells have been established at the Board’s headquarters and sub-offices. “Parents can submit complaints in writing, and necessary action will be taken promptly,” Chowdary added.
She said that the drive aims to safeguard students’ welfare, ensure affordability, and maintain consistent academic standards in private schools across the Union Territory. (KNC)
