Police raids on FAT schools spark dispute between J&K government and administration.
Srinagar: In a major development, police teams, accompanied by officials from the Education Department, on Saturday morning conducted surprise inspections and seized key documents from several schools affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami and run by the Falahi Aam Trust (FAT) across Kashmir.
According to sources, the move is part of an ongoing investigation into the functioning of these institutions, which have been under scrutiny due to the expiry of their management committees and alleged operational irregularities.
Officials confirmed that records related to staff, finances, admissions, and curriculum were taken from multiple schools. Authorities said the action was necessary to evaluate transparency and ensure accountability in the running of these institutions.
The raids come in the wake of the government’s announcement of temporary oversight of FAT schools, citing risks to the academic careers of over 51,000 students due to expired management structures.
However, the development has sparked a fresh standoff between the Lieutenant Governor-led administration and the elected Jammu and Kashmir government. Education Minister Sakina Itoo strongly refuted reports suggesting a government takeover of FAT-run schools.
Speaking to reporters, Itoo denied issuing any directive authorizing Deputy Commissioners to assume control of these schools. “We have not ordered any takeover. The management committees of these institutions have expired, which jeopardizes the future of 51,363 students. To protect their education, we have asked principals of the nearest higher secondary schools to act as in-charges for three months,” she clarified.
The minister blamed the Secretary of the School Education Department (SED) for misrepresenting the decision in official communication. “The order incorrectly mentions that DCs will take over. That is not the case,” she said, demanding a correction to the directive.
The issue has triggered political ripples, further straining ties between the UT administration and the elected government, raising concerns over governance, coordination, and communication.
