Srinagar, Apr 17 (JKNS): The Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC), Jammu and Kashmir, has issued a strict circular directing all private schools across the Union Territory to mandatorily constitute Parents Associations in accordance with Rule-7 of the J&K School Education (Fixation and Regulation of Fee) Rules, warning that any unauthorized parent bodies will have no legal standing.
In a fresh circular issued by FFRC a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, the Committee observed that certain individuals, groups, and federations claiming to represent parents are functioning outside the statutory framework, which is not permissible under law.
The FFRC, headed by Justice (Retd.) Sunil Hali, made it clear that every private school must constitute a Parents Association strictly as per Rule-7, with defined composition, election process, tenure, and functioning. It stated that such associations must be limited to individual schools and include only parents or guardians of currently enrolled students.
The circular explicitly declared that any association, federation, or group formed outside the prescribed legal framework, and not at the school level, shall be treated as unauthorized and will not be recognised in matters related to fee regulation or school administration.
It further stated that duly constituted Parents Associations will serve as the official platform for interaction between school management and parents, particularly in issues related to fee fixation, grievances, and academic or administrative concerns
The Committee has directed all private school managements to immediately constitute or reconstitute Parents Associations and submit details to the FFRC without delay. Schools have also been asked to maintain proper records of the formation and functioning of these bodies and extend full cooperation to their operations.
Parents and guardians have been advised to associate only with the officially constituted Parents Associations of their respective schools and refrain from engaging with any external or unauthorized groups.
The FFRC warned that any violation of these directions will be viewed seriously and may invite action under the provisions of the J&K School Education Rules, 2010.
The circular also noted that some individuals are falsely claiming to represent Parents Associations in violation of statutory provisions. Such actions have been termed unlawful, and the Committee has warned that strict legal action will be initiated against violators. It further revealed that a complaint in this regard has already been referred to the appropriate investigating agency.
The order comes into force with immediate effect, the circular added. (JKNS)
