Education is a predominant factor in any struggle for social advancement. Its pivotal role in the socio-cultural and socio-economic activities is widely acknowledged by one and all. The functions, programs and schemes connected with Social Services sector may have to be objectively accomplished with the active participation of private sector.
Unfortunately, the worldwide acclaimed Public-private partnership in the educational field of our state has unexpectedly been treated to be unworkable and almost counted out. The State Government often claims that it would, in the changing global scenario, always act as a facilitator for the private sector to ensure achievement of set aims and objectives of social development.
It appears that the policies of the Government on education have neither been persistent nor unflappable, with the result it has failed to prove very accommodating to the promoters of the privatization of education. In fact, there is chaotic and confusing situation brewing up now in the J&K School Education Department, given the issue of too many crude instructions, rules and regulations issued time and again. These actions have always proved counterproductive and may cause a serious impediment in their noble work. Apart from the Government Order issued by J&K School Education Department (vide No 668 Edu of 2005 dated 05-10-2005) being in operation; there are many side directives on the ground, which turn out to be bottlenecks for a sound educational atmosphere in the State. To show off its regulatory authority, the Government has promulgated SRO 123 (dated 18-03-2010) having been issued under section 29 of the J&K School Education Act, 2002, which in its entirety is seen to be more dictatorial and full of formalities. The authorities in the state are bent upon disturbing the fabric of the private sector in a gradual manner.
The enumerated increase in the literacy rate of J&K as per census 2011 by more than 13 percent and 15 percent increase in the Female literacy being higher than the National Average may not be because of the public sector alone. The past and performance of the private sector schooling in recent years is sufficient to show its important contribution to the increased literacy percentage of the State. As per latest available data, there is a network of 23,454 Government Schools and 4,719 Private recognized schools in the State.
In accordance with economic survey report issued on basic infrastructure of J&K School Education Department for the year 2010-11, 4696 Government Schools are without buildings, 1641 buildings are in dilapidated condition and 9658 buildings lack water and latrine facilities. Thus the students at various places are compelled either to study in the open grounds or in cell like hired rooms. No one is bothered about what happens to millions of funds yearly budgeted for education by state and central Governments. It is just money going down the drain.
Moreover, on academic side, we still observe that the students in Government Schools are more interested in cramming, while as in private schools stress is by and large laid on gaining extensive knowledge. What a pity that the authorities of J&K Board of School Education have discriminately stopped the affiliation of 39 schools in Kashmir Division and only 8 schools in Jammu Division. What the Chief Minister confessed in the inaugural five-day camp on Innovation of science pursuit for research at the convocation complex, University of Kashmir should serve as a real eye-opener for the authorities of School Education Department. “Wrong decisions were taken in the field of education due to which students are suffering. New colleges and schools were set up across the state. Students are enrolled without infrastructure and staff. Such Institutions are required to be set up on the basis of some Criteria,” the chief minister said.

(The writer is a Retired K.A.S Officer and President, Private Schools Association, Pulwama. Feedback at ghtalib@skmcollege.com)

Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
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