Srinagar, Apr 17: In a latest development, the Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC), J&K, has issued strict directions to all private schools to mandatorily allow constitution of Parents Associations in the schools.

The latest circular instructions in this regard have been issued by chairman FFRC.

“The parents association must be constituted in accordance with the provisions laid down under Rule-7 of the J&K School Education Fixation and Regulation of Fee) Rules, 2010,” the fresh circular reads.

The FFRC has however warned against the functioning of unauthorised parent bodies of the private schools.

“The rules provide a structured mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability in private schools,” the circular reads.

Committee has made it mandatory for all the schools to form a parents association in a prescribed manner.

“It has come to its notice that certain individuals, groups, unions and federations claiming to represent parents are operating outside the statutory framework,” FFRC circular reads.

The committee has termed such entities as unauthorised saying suc bodies have no legal validity and shall not be recognised by any school or authority in matters related to fee regulation or school administration.

“Each parents association must be constituted strictly at the individual school level and should comprise only the parents or guardians of students currently enrolled in that institution,” the circular reads.

The Committee has further emphasised that no external or collective body formed outside Rule-7 will be entertained.

The circular further reads that the duly constituted parents association will serve as the formal platform for engagement between school management and parents, particularly on issues related to fee fixation, grievances and other academic or administrative matters.

Chairman FFRC has further asked the management of all the private schools to immediately constitute or reconstitute their parents associations and submit details to the xommittee without delay.

“Schools must maintain proper records of the formation and proceedings of these associations and ensure full cooperation in their functioning,” the circular reads.

Parents and guardians have been advised to associate only with the recognised parents association of their respective schools and refrain from engaging with any unauthorised external bodies.

FFRC has also warned that any deviation from the directions will invite action under the provisions of the J&K School Education Rules, 2010.

“Some individuals are falsely claiming to represent parents associations, which is unlawful and contrary to the prescribed rules,” the circular reads.

Chairman FFRC in a circular has cautioned that continued violations will lead to legal action without further notice.

“A complaint in this regard has already been referred to the appropriate investigating agency for necessary action,” the circular reads.

As per the circular, the fresh instructions “will come into force with immediate effect.”