The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered the seizure of 58 additional schools believed to be connected to the outlawed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its affiliated Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT). The directive was issued by the Secretary of the School Education Department, following a notification from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs that declared JeI Jammu and Kashmir an unlawful organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
Earlier, in August 2025, the government had already taken control of the managing committees of 215 schools linked to the group, a move that drew sharp criticism from opposition parties in the region.
According to officials, the latest action was prompted by security and intelligence assessments of numerous operational schools found to have direct or indirect ties to the banned organizations. In several instances, the terms of existing management committees had expired, or their operations were deemed unsatisfactory.
As a result, the government has directed deputy commissioners to assume control of these schools and form new certified committees to ensure students’ education remains unaffected. Authorities have been instructed to maintain the smooth conduct of classes and exams without disrupting normal academic activities.
The order also requires district administrations to collaborate with the School Education Department to uphold academic standards in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) and ensure teaching continuity. Special teams comprising education and local administration officials will visit the impacted schools to put the necessary administrative arrangements in place.
