Private Schools in Budgam Alleged of Operating Beyond Sanctioned Grades, Locals Seek Official Intervention

Raja Bilal

Budgam: Several private schools across Budgam district are facing allegations of operating classes beyond the levels for which they are officially approved, raising serious concerns over regulatory oversight and compliance within the education sector.

Reports from various areas, particularly Khansahib, indicate that a number of schools registered only up to the 5th standard are running classes up to the 8th standard without obtaining mandatory permissions. Likewise, institutions sanctioned up to the 8th standard are reportedly conducting classes up to the 10th standard in clear violation of established norms.

Residents say that despite these irregularities being well known, no substantive action has been taken by the Education Department. They also claim that several schools in the district are functioning without any registration, operating freely due to inadequate monitoring and a lack of periodic inspections.

Locals said that unchecked expansion of these institutions has turned education into a commercial enterprise, potentially putting students’ academic futures at risk. They have urged authorities to carry out immediate verification of private schools across Budgam, Beerwah, Chadoora, Charar-e-Sharief, Khansahib, Khag, and Magam zones to assess compliance with government guidelines.

Parents question how schools approved only up to certain grades are allowed to run higher classes with impunity. “If a school is registered till 5th standard, how can it operate up to 8th or 10th without approval?” they asked, demanding strict enforcement of rules.

Residents allege that despite repeated complaints, the authorities have failed to respond effectively, enabling such institutions to continue operating “in full public view” without accountability.

They have appealed to the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Budgam and the Directorate of School Education to initiate a comprehensive inspection drive and take firm action against unregistered and non-compliant private schools.