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Govt steps in, takes over 58 JeI/FAT-linked schools

Early Times Report

Jammu, Apr 18: In a significant move, the government on Saturday ordered the takeover of the management committees of 58 schools found to be linked to the banned organisation Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its affiliate, Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT).
Officials said the order was issued by the Secretary of the School Education Department (SED), following notifications by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, which declared Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir an unlawful organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
According to official sources, intelligence agencies have recently identified 58 functional schools with direct or indirect links to JeI and FAT. The action was necessitated as the tenure of their management committees had either expired or adverse reports had been received against them.
Under the directions, the management of these schools will now be taken over by the respective Deputy Commissioners (DCs), who will constitute new management committees after proper verification. The government has emphasised that the step is aimed at safeguarding the academic interests of students enrolled in these institutions.
Authorities have been instructed to ensure that academic activities continue smoothly without any disruption. The order further states that Deputy Commissioners, in coordination with the School Education Department, will take all necessary measures to maintain quality education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) and prevent any academic loss to students. Teams of officials, including SED personnel, have already been deployed in these institutions for further action.
The development comes in continuation of earlier measures taken by the administration. Notifications issued under SO 1069(E) dated February 28, 2019, and SO 924(E) dated February 27, 2024, under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, had declared Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), Jammu and Kashmir, an unlawful organisation.
Subsequently, on August 22, 2025, the J&K government had taken over the management of 215 schools affiliated with JeI and FAT across the Union Territory through Government Order No. 578-JK(Edu) of 2025.
Earlier, several schools affiliated with Falah-e-Aam Trust were banned by the government, and students were directed to seek admission in government-run institutions. Chief Education Officers (CEOs), in coordination with district administrations, were tasked with sealing the banned schools.
FAT, an affiliate of Jamaat-e-Islami, has been under scrutiny for alleged involvement in illegal activities. The State Investigation Agency (SIA) of J&K Police has accused the trust of financial irregularities, fraud, and encroachment on government land.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) remains a proscribed organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The latest order comes in the backdrop of ongoing SIA investigations, with officials indicating that many of these schools are allegedly constructed on encroached government land.