Srinagar, J&K – October 22, 2024: A high-level delegation from the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Association (JKTA), led by its UT President Bhupinder Singh, met with the Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. The delegation extended their heartfelt congratulations to the Chief Minister on his appointment as the leader of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, the delegation engaged in a comprehensive discussion regarding the critical issues affecting the employees and officers of the School’s Education Department, emphasizing the need for immediate reforms and improvements in the education sector.
The meeting centered around several key demands, starting with the long-overdue Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) process, which has been stalled since 2014. The delegation strongly urged the Chief Minister to expedite the DPCs, particularly for teachers awaiting promotions to master roles. Such promotions, the delegation emphasized, are crucial for the professional growth and motivation of educators, as well as for maintaining high teaching standards.
The Annual Transfer Drive (ATD) 2024 was another significant issue raised during the discussions. The current zonation system, which often results in an unequal distribution of teaching staff, has been a long-standing concern for the association. Rural areas, in particular, face acute shortages of teachers, while urban schools tend to be overstaffed. To remedy this imbalance, the JKTA proposed that future transfer drives take proximity to teachers’ residences into account, reducing disruptions to the academic calendar and improving teacher satisfaction.
A major point of contention has been the lack of a unified attendance system for teachers. Currently, teachers are burdened with multiple systems for marking attendance, which detracts from their primary responsibility of teaching. The delegation stressed that a single, streamlined attendance system would significantly enhance efficiency and free up valuable time for classroom instruction.
The JKTA also addressed the urgent need for a fair and transparent transfer policy for Rehber-e-Taleem (RET) teachers, particularly for female teachers, allowing for intra-district transfers based on family circumstances. They also proposed a Zonal-level transfer policy for male teachers to ensure a more equitable distribution of teaching staff across different regions.
One of the most pressing concerns raised by the delegation was the plight of Educational Volunteers (EVs), who have contributed significantly to the education sector but remain in precarious employment conditions. The JKTA called for the immediate regularization of EVs, ensuring job security for these valuable contributors to the education system.
In addition to these demands, the delegation highlighted the growing administrative burdens placed on teachers, which detract from their ability to focus on teaching and student development. The association recommended that ministerial staff be provided to high schools and higher secondary schools, allowing teachers to concentrate on their core responsibilities.
To ensure better accountability and transparency, the delegation proposed the establishment of a time-bound grievance redressal mechanism within the Zonal and Chief Education Offices. Such a system would ensure that teachers’ concerns are addressed efficiently and promptly, without unnecessary delays.
The promotion and preservation of cultural heritage through education was also a key point of discussion. The JKTA strongly advocated for the inclusion of indigenous languages such as Bhaderwahi, Bhalesi, Padri, Sarazi, and Pogali in the school curriculum. Introducing these languages at the primary level would help preserve the linguistic heritage of the region and foster a sense of cultural identity among students.
The delegation expressed its support for the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the primary level, aligning Jammu and Kashmir’s education system with national standards. They emphasized that a strong foundation in primary education is essential for the overall development of students and the future of the education system in the region.
Another issue discussed was the need for post-facto exam permissions for teachers, which would enable them to pursue further qualifications without bureaucratic hindrances. This, the JKTA argued, would allow teachers to enhance their skills and qualifications, ultimately benefiting students and the education system as a whole.
The delegation also emphasized the need to exempt teachers from non-teaching assignments, such as administrative tasks, midday meal preparation, and unrelated training programs. These additional responsibilities often distract teachers from their primary duties and negatively impact the quality of education.
JKTA sought the adjustment of recently promoted Masters covered under the DPCs and reaffirmed the importance of addressing the above issues promptly.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister gave the delegation a patient hearing and assured them that their concerns would be addressed especially single unified attendance system and other genuine issues in a timely and efficient manner. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with the JKTA expressing optimism that the issues raised would soon see resolution, resulting in improvements to the education system in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, the JKTA, under the leadership of UT President Bhupinder Singh, had also met with the Hon’ble Education Minister Sakina Itoo to present a comprehensive memorandum outlining the pressing demands of the teaching community. The delegation, which included Ishaq Rashid, Sunil Salaria, Tirath Singh, Sajad Malik, Mohd Saleem, Arjun Singh, Imran Majeed, and Jaffer Hussain, welcomed the minister to her new role and expressed confidence that her leadership would bring about meaningful changes in the region’s education system.