Srinagar, May 10 : The Committee for Fixation and Regulation of Fees of Private Schools, J&K, has issued a directive to all private schools to establish a parent association within one month..
In an official circular, Justice Sunil Hali, Chairperson of the Committee for Fixation and Regulation of Fee of Private Schools J&K, addressed the issue of certain individuals who, despite not being parents of students enrolled in private schools in the union territory of J&K, have launched a malicious campaign against the committee, causing unnecessary interference in its functioning.
To clarify matters for the public and stakeholders, the circular highlighted the definition of a parent according to the relevant laws. It stated that a parent, as defined in Rule 2 (j) of The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act, 2002, includes a guardian and any person who has custody of the child. Additionally, Rule 2 (k) of The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and Rule 2 (j) of The Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools (Fixation, Determination and Regulation of Fee) rules, 2022, define a parent as the natural, step, or adoptive father and mother of a child.
Regarding the parent association, Rule 7 (a) of The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Rules 2010 states that the principal of the school, in agreement with the parents, should establish a parent association consisting of at least 10 parents. The school management and principal are required to meet with the parent association at least twice a year.
“All private schools are instructed to establish a parent association within one month from the issuance of this circular, if not already in place. They must also submit a compliance report and a list of association members to the committee’s office,” reads the circular.
The FFRC will only consider parent associations formed according to the aforementioned rule, as well as individual parents who are aggrieved, for addressing any grievances against a private school. Any association that does not comply with the rule will not have the standing to represent parents enrolled in various private schools in the UT of J&K,” stated the Circular.
Moreover, the circular emphasized that non-compliance by any stakeholder shall warrant strict action in accordance with law.
