Continuing its policy of renaming public institutions to honor government forces personnel and eminent personalities, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued an order renaming 48 schools across the region.
This initiative, admin says, is aimed at recognizing the sacrifices of government force personnel and celebrating the contributions of distinguished individuals.
The move will “instill a sense of national pride and historical awareness” among the citizens.
According to Government Order No. 1462-JK(GAD) of 2024, issued by the General Administration Department, the renaming process covers various schools, colleges, and public places in several districts.
The document, dated August 6, 2024, accessed by The Kashmiriyat, specifies the new names of these institutions.
In the Anantnag district, several schools have been renamed. Government High School in Doodkul, Kokernag, has been renamed after HC Fayaz Ahmad Raina. Government Girls Primary School in Briarangan, Uttersoo, now bears the name of Ct. Babar Ahmad Khan.
Additionally, Government Primary School in Kralpora, Mattan, has been renamed after Ct. Gulzar Ahmad Najar, and Government Middle School in Herkhal, Khiram, now honors Ct. Farooq Ahmad Reshi. The Government Middle School in Issoo, Achabal, has been renamed after Ct. Sheeraz Ahmad Bhat.
Bandipora district also saw several changes, with a street/link road from New Colony Garoora to Aragam Chittibanday being renamed after Ct. Dilawar Ahmad Ganie. Government Middle School in Pehtkoot now honors Ct. Abdul Qayoom Bhat, while Government Primary School in Kawanoo, Chittibanday, has been renamed after Ct. Abdul Rashid Mir.
In Baramulla district, the Government High School in Khawajabagh has been renamed after Inspector Mehar Singh. Ground Shaltang in Tilgam has been renamed after Ct. Mehraj-ud-din Rather, and Government Middle School in Kilwara, Hariwatnoo, now honors HC Abdul Rasheed Bhat. Additionally, Girls Primary School in Juhalla, Uri, has been renamed after CTGD Ayaz Ahmad Mir.
The Budgam district saw PMGSY Road Shunglipora Lone Mohalla Tosa Maidan Road renamed after Ct. Abdul Aziz Lone. Government Middle School in Mushula, Beerwah, now honors Ct. Abdul Majeed Ganaie, and Government Middle School in Tangdaji, Kralkhani, has been renamed after Sgct. Abdul Rahim Lone.
Ganderbal district also experienced renaming changes, with Government Boys School in Barkati Safapora now bearing the name of Ct. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat. Government Middle School in Sindbal has been renamed after Ct. Ghulam Hassan Lone.
In Kulgam district, several schools have been renamed. Government Middle School in Telwanpora, Cheyan Adigam, now honors HC Abdul Majeed Teli, while Government High School in Ahmadabad has been renamed after Ct. Subzar Ahmad Shah.
Additionally, Government Middle School in Hariwath has been renamed after Sgct. Mushtaq Ahmad Shah.
Pulwama district also saw changes, with Government High School in Sangerwani renamed after HC Mohammad Amin Bajad. Tumlahal Lassipora Playground has been renamed after HC Anoop Singh, and Government Middle School in Kapran now honors Sgct. Nisar Ahmad Dhobi.
Shopian district witnessed multiple renamings, including Government Primary School in Panzer now honoring SPO Tariq Ahmad Paul, and Government Upper Primary School in Zawoora renamed after SPO Adil Manzoor Ahmad Bhat. Government Middle School in Reban has been renamed after SPO Basharat Ahmad Wagay.
Srinagar district saw Boys Middle School in Soura renamed after Sgct. Saifullah Qadri, while Girls Middle School in Hazratbal has been renamed after Sgct. Farooq Ahmad. Middle School in Batamaloo now honors Ct. Tawseef Ahmad.
The renaming initiative aligns with the broader policy changes implemented since the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
Jammu Kashmir admin has previously renamed several other institutions and public places.
In Jammu district, names of five institutes have been changed, one institute has undergone a name change in Kishtwar; three in Kathua, six in Samba and two in Udhampur.