Bill on compulsory government schooling for children of govt employees rejected by J&K Assembly

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 25 (STC): The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has rejected a Private Members’ Bill seeking to make it mandatory for public representatives and public servants to educate their children in government educational institutions.
The Bill, moved by MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, was titled “A Bill to make it obligatory for the Public Men and Public Servants to educate their children in Government educational institutions and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto” (L.A. Private Members’ Bill No. 22 of 2025).
Minister for School Education Sakeena Itoo, while opposing the Bill, said the government was already taking several measures to increase enrolment in government schools, where capable and hardworking teachers were serving.
She said meetings had also been held in this regard and emphasised that such a measure could not be enforced through compulsion.
The Minister further said that legislation alone would not address the issue, stressing that improving enrolment and strengthening government schools required a collective effort and shared responsibility.
She urged MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad to withdraw the Bill. However, he declined to withdraw it.
Subsequently, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather put the Bill to vote, following which it was defeated by voice vote.
(Straight Talk Communications)