Srinagar, Sep 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday rejected a Private Members’ Bill that proposed to make it obligatory for public representatives and public servants to educate their children in government institutions.
The Bill was moved by MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad and 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).
Opposing the Bill, Minister for School Education Sakeena Itoo said the government is already taking several steps to increase enrolment in government schools where capable and hardworking teachers are serving. She said meetings have also been held in this regard and emphasised that such a measure could not be enforced through compulsion.
The Minister said legislation alone would not address the issue and that improving enrolment and strengthening government schools requires collective effort and shared responsibility.
She urged the MLA to withdraw the Bill. However, Sheikh Khursheed declined.
Subsequently, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather put the Bill to vote and it was defeated by voice vote. (GNS)
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