Says no shortage of free textbooks in J&K
Srinagar, Nov 09: Amid growing complaints of financial exploitation by private institutions, Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister, Shamima Firdous Monday said that private schools cannot burden parents with unnecessary charges and the government will ensure audit and proper accountability against those violating fee and other norms.
Speaking to the reporters here in Srinagar, the Minister, Shamima, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “We started supplying textbooks to the educational zones of Srinagar district today and the concerned officials in those zones will ensure distribution of free textbooks at earliest.”
“There is no shortage of textbooks, in fact we have started distributing the free textbooks at the very appropriate time in comparison to the previous years,” she said.
About the miscellaneous charges by some private schools, the minister said, “There will be a proper audit and accountability will be enforced against those violating the government norms. We won’t allow any private school to impose an unnecessary burden on parents.”
Pertinently, the educational institutions across Kashmir Valley begin academic session 2026–27 from November-02 for KG to Class-10 students.
An official had informed that the new academic session commenced after the schools completed annual assessments and declared results in line with the academic calendar.
The schools were expected to begin regular classes, issue textbooks and prepare a new curriculum in the first week of November.
Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education had earlier said that the free textbooks among students will be distributed to various educational zones in the first week of November.
Former Education Minister, Sakeena Itoo had directed the officials to ensure timely completion of preparation of textbooks, syllabus and other needs.
Moreover, a stake-holders meeting was held to ensure the clarity on fee, availability of textbooks in schools and coordination between government and private educational institutions in Kashmir. (KNO)
