Srinagar, Oct 06: In a major relief to private schools seeking statutory approvals, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has amended the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Rules, 2010, removing several requirements related to school permissions and certifications.
The amendments were notified by the School Education Department on October 5, 2026, through an order issued under Section 29 of the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Act, 2002.
The order in this regard has been issued by Commissioner Secretary School Education Department (SED) Ram Niwas Sharma by the orders of J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha.
Under the amended rules, several provisions under Rule 4 and Rule 6 have been omitted, while certain requirements have been replaced with self-attested certificates from the concerned schools.
For traffic safety compliance, schools will now be required to furnish a self-attested certificate stating that necessary compliance with traffic rules has been or will be made to ensure the safety of students.
Similarly, requirements concerning school buildings have been simplified.
Schools can submit a self-attested certificate confirming that the building has been constructed according to the prescribed norms and relevant building laws, with necessary safety measures in place.
The amended rules also provide for self-attestation regarding installation of necessary fire-safety equipment in school buildings.
In another provision, schools have to certify that chemicals, if any, kept in laboratories are stored safely in accordance with directions of the Supreme Court and other Courts respectively.
The government has also deleted a number of sub-clauses under Rule 6, including provisions under clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f), further reducing the procedural requirements under the rules.
The amendments are expected to ease the compliance burden on private schools and streamline the process of obtaining permissions/NOCs while retaining self-certification requirements relating to key areas including student safety, building safety and fire protection as well.
The Private Schools Association Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has extended gratitude to the government for granting “much awaited relief to the schools.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, president PSAJK Nazrul Islam Baba extended gratitude to the chief minister Omar Abdullah, J&K LG Manoj Sinha, minister for education Sakina Itoo and Commissioner Secretary SED for easing the burden of NoC for private schools.
“It was a much awaited relief for the private schools. We express our gratitude and thanks to the Government,” he said.
He also extended gratitude to Directors of School Education Kashmir and Jammu division .
“This decision is a commendable step towards simplifying the administrative process, reducing unnecessary educational burden, and creating a more conducive and supportive environment for private educational institutions,” Baba said.
He said the need for multiple NOCs was a source of concern for many school administrations, especially those serving in rural, remote, backward, and economically weak areas.
“These institutions continue to strive to provide quality education to children despite financial difficulties, infrastructure issues, and various administrative responsibilities,” PSAJK president said.
“The decision to abolish several unnecessary NOCs will help the schools to focus more effectively on their core responsibilities,” he added.
