SRINAGAR, September 25, 2026 – The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday rejected a Private Members’ Bill that sought to make it legally obligatory for public representatives and government employees to enroll their children in government-run educational institutions. Introduced by Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, the proposed legislation aimed to enforce mandatory enrolment as a measure to boost accountability and improve the standard of public education. However, the government strongly opposed the move, arguing that educational choices cannot be dictated by legal compulsion. Responding to the bill on the floor of the House, Minister for School Education Sakeena Itoo emphasized that every child holds a fundamental right to decide where they wish to pursue their education, making such a rigid mandate legally unfeasible and an infringement on personal liberty.
During the debate, Minister Itoo acknowledged the intent behind the bill but maintained that improving the public education system requires a collective effort and shared responsibility rather than forceful legislation. She highlighted that over the past two years, government schools have witnessed significant improvements in academic results, increased overall enrolment, and the widespread introduction of smart classes and upgraded infrastructure. The Minister also pointed to the recent success of students from government institutions who have qualified for highly competitive examinations like NEET, as well as the number of Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers who are alumni of public schools. While she admitted that the education sector has not yet achieved a 100 percent transformation, she assured the House that the remaining schools requiring vital infrastructure upgrades would be addressed in a phased manner.
Instead of imposing a mandate, the Education Minister urged legislators and public servants to voluntarily enroll their children in government schools and actively help build public confidence in the system. She appealed to the elected representatives to visit local schools, engage with the capable teaching staff, and focus on convincing citizens about the improving quality of education through practical examples. Following her comprehensive reply, Minister Itoo requested MLA Khursheed to formally withdraw the proposed legislation. However, after the Langate legislator declined to withdraw the motion, the Private Members’ Bill was put to a voice vote and subsequently defeated by the Assembly, reinforcing the government’s stance that public trust in state-run schools must be earned through sustained quality upgrades rather than compulsory legislative mandates.
Published by True Roots Media Network