Jammu And Kashmir Govt Bans Teachers, Students From Participating In Political Rallies After ABVP Order Row
The Jammu and Kashmir govt revoked an order requiring teachers and students to participate in ABVP rallies. The new directive prohibits political involvement in schools to maintain educational neutrality.
After facing severe political backlash for directing teachers and ordering students to participate in rallies and events organised by the ABVP, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated organisation, the Jammu and Kashmir government has now revoked the order. The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department has issued a new directive prohibiting all officers and heads of institutions from granting permission for students and staff, including teachers, to participate in any political programmes or rallies organised by political parties or organisations.
ABVP had organised a Tiranga rally in Kishtwar, as well as a wrestling and Kho Kho tournament in Doda, seeking permission from the district authorities. While permission for both events was granted under normal procedures, the order directing the education department to deputise teachers and ensure student participation sparked criticism.
People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, while tweeting about the order, raised questions regarding the Omar Abdullah-led government’s role in the matter.
In response to the controversy, the education department reversed its earlier decision and outlined the ban in Circular No. 01-JK(Edu) of 2025, dated January 25, 2025.
The circular, which applies to all schools under the School Education Department in Jammu and Kashmir, mandates that Chief Education Officers (CEOs), Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), and Heads of Institutions must not allow any involvement of students or staff in political activities.
The department further emphasised that the directive is intended to maintain an educational environment free from political influence.
The circular also directs Chief Education Officers to monitor closely and ensure that no district authority issues any orders that contradict these guidelines. In the event of such deviations, the concerned CEO must report immediately to the respective Director of School Education for further instructions.
The Directors of School Education have been instructed to enforce this order strictly, with a clear message that any violations will be dealt with seriously under the law.
The order has been disseminated to all relevant officials, including the Directors of School Education for both the Kashmir and Jammu regions, Chief Education Officers, and other concerned officials within the department.
Related Video
Breaking: Elderly Couple Found Murdered at Home in Delhi’s Shahdara, Police Probe Underway
Top Headlines
