Srinagar, Sep 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday rejected a Private Member’s Bill that sought to make enrolment in government educational institutions mandatory for the children of public representatives and government servants.
The Bill was moved by Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, who sought to introduce legislation making government schooling compulsory for the children of “public men and public servants.”
Opposing the proposal, the government, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that while the intent behind the Bill was appreciated, mandatory enrolment in government schools was not feasible.
The minister said the government was upgrading infrastructure in government schools and acknowledged that some institutions still required improvement. She added that the remaining schools would also be taken up for upgradation.
Emphasising the right of students to choose their educational institution, the minister said children have the freedom to decide where they pursue their studies. She also cited the success of students from government schools, including NEET qualifiers, to highlight the quality of education being provided.
According to the minister, the focus should be on strengthening public confidence in government schools rather than making enrolment compulsory. She urged the member to withdraw the Bill.
However, Khursheed pressed for the legislation, arguing that infrastructure development alone could not improve the condition of government schools.
He said enrolment was equally important and that increasing the number of students in government schools would contribute to their overall improvement. The MLA also argued that children of ministers, MLAs and government employees should study in government institutions.
Following the discussion, the House rejected the Bill. (KNO)
