Srinagar, Nov 9: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Shamima Firdous on Monday warned private schools against imposing unnecessary charges on parents, saying the government would ensure proper audits and accountability of institutions violating prescribed fee norms.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the Minister said the government would not allow private educational institutions to place an unreasonable financial burden on parents through miscellaneous or unauthorised charges.
"There will be a proper audit and accountability will be enforced against those violating government norms. We won't allow any private school to impose an unnecessary burden on parents," she said.
On the distribution of free textbooks, Firdous said supplies had begun reaching educational zones in Srinagar district, with officials directed to ensure their early distribution among students.
"There is no shortage of textbooks. In fact, we have started distributing free textbooks at the appropriate time compared to previous years," she said.
The Minister's remarks come amid complaints from parents over additional charges allegedly imposed by some private schools.
The academic session 2026–27 for students from Kindergarten to Class 10 commenced across Kashmir on November 2, following the completion of annual assessments and declaration of results in accordance with the academic calendar.
Schools were expected to resume regular classes, distribute textbooks and initiate the new curriculum during the first week of November.
Earlier, JKBOSE had announced that free textbooks would be supplied to educational zones during the first week of November. Former Education Minister Sakeena Itoo had also directed officials to ensure timely preparation of textbooks, syllabus and other academic requirements.
A stakeholders' meeting was also held to discuss fee-related issues, textbook availability and coordination between government and private educational institutions in Kashmir.