Police criticised for seeking ‘reservations’ in private schools

By Syed Nashir Ali Gillani

Srinagar, Mar 26: Police seeking reservation in admissions and fee concessions for the children of its personnel going to private schools has evoked criticism.
In a letter sent to the principals of various private schools, police has asked them to attend the meeting with the members of the committee constituted by the police headquarters.
In turn, the police has offered providing training to the students of the schools that provides benefits on various national and school functions.
On March 27, the first meeting of the committee will be taking place at DIG office at Anantnag.
C L Vishen, owner of the Caset School at Karan Nagar, said the police asking for concessions and reservations was “totally unjustified”.
“Reservation on the basis of caste is good; Reservation for women is also good. But reservation on the basis of profession is something one has never heard of,” he said.
Vishen said, “The concessions and reservations will further weaken the financial position of the private schools.”
President Kashmir Private Schools Association (KPSA), G N Var, also “criticised” the move.
“Police has no jurisdiction over private schools. They shall have asked us to provide the benefits to deserving students. Police has a welfare fund. The police personnel take handsome salaries,” he said.
Var said, “It is direct interference in the education system. Police is the custodian of all the students. By providing the benefits, police would be considered either special or poor. They have their own school at Bemina.”
He said he and most other principals would not be attending the meeting on March 27.
“Some principals might attend the meeting out of fear. The private schools have to remain impartial. Every student is equally important to us,” he said.
Director General of Police (DGP), Shesh Paul Vaid, said the police has not asked for reservations.
“We have only asked for preferences,” he said.
About the Police Public School (PPS) at Bemina, he said the students have been studying there.
Commissioner Secretary School Education, Farooq Ahamad Shah, said he would look into the matter.
“We will discuss the order with the Education Minister, DGP, and others,” he said.