Private Schools in South Kashmir Violate Directorate Orders, Breach J&K School Education Act and School Bag Policy 2020

   By Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag: Several private schools in Anantnag and Kulgam districts are reportedly violating the directives issued by the Directorate of School Education and the provisions of Rule 8A of the J&K School Education Rules, 2002, which aim to regulate the weight of school bags.

Sources revealed that many schools in South Kashmir have failed to comply with the Directorate’s circular dated 06-04-2023, which was issued in compliance with directions passed in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 09/2016 titled “Badrul Dilja vs. State of J&K”). The circular led to the insertion of Rule 8A into the J&K School Education Act, mandating school heads to ensure regulation of school bag weight. It also empowers the government to cancel the affiliation and recognition of schools found violating this rule.

In an earlier notification dated 15-04-2020 (vide No: Edu/L/K/86/2016), the School Education Department issued S.O 126 under Section 29 of the J&K School Education Act, 2002. The order laid down clear guidelines regarding school workload and bag weight. Key provisions include:

• No homework to be assigned to students up to Class 2.

• No formal books to be prescribed at pre-primary levels (Nursery, LKG, UKG).

• Students of these classes may use a maximum of two notebooks/workbooks, to be kept in the school under the teacher’s custody.

• Pre-primary students should only carry a light lunch box carrier; no bags.

• Only the following subjects are allowed:

  • Classes 1 & 2: Language and Arithmetic

  • Classes 3 to 5: Language, Environmental Science (EVS), Arithmetic

  • Classes 6 & 7: Language, Social Science, Mathematics, and Science — or as prescribed by the affiliating board.

The circular strictly prohibits students from being asked to bring additional books or extra materials, and the total weight of the school bag (including bag and contents) must not exceed the specified limits.

Further, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) through the NEP Cell, issued Order No. DSEK/NEP/425-35/23 dated 06-04-2023. It also urged all Deputy Commissioners, via communication No. DSEK/CEW/Circular/135-44 dated 10-06-2022, to instruct executive magistrates at different levels to enforce compliance.

Despite these clear mandates, many private schools are disregarding the rules, placing unnecessary academic and physical burden on young students. Authorities note that non-compliance is being viewed seriously, and strict action will be taken against government or private institutions found violating Rule 8A Clause (3) of the Act.

The School Education Department has once again directed all school heads — both government and private — to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued under S.O. 126, and the revised School Bag Policy 2020 as recommended by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.