J&K Institutions Prohibit Students from Political Programs

In a decisive move to uphold the apolitical nature of educational institutions, the Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a ban on directives requiring students or staff from participating in political rallies or programs. The decision follows widespread criticism over a controversial circular issued by the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Poonch, instructing schools to send students and teachers to a rally organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student wing affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The order, issued by the School Education Department, explicitly prohibits officers at all levels — from Chief Education Officers to school heads — from compelling participation in politically motivated events. “It is enjoined upon all the officers, including Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, and Heads of Institutions under the School Education Department, to refrain from granting permission or issuing directives for students or staff to participate in any political program, rally, or similar activity organized by political entities,” the circular stated.

The controversy erupted after the earlier circular, directing Poonch school authorities to ensure student participation in the ABVP-organized “Tiranga rally,” drew sharp criticism from various quarters. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was particularly vocal, accusing the government of using the education system as a “propaganda tool.”

PDP leader Waheed Para lambasted the administration for what he called a glaring contradiction in its approach. “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah used to condemn such orders before elections. Now, this blatant transformation under his government stands as its only ‘achievement’ in the last 100 days,” he remarked on social media platform X.