JAMMU, Nov 5: A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), led by its UT President Mohammed Ashraf Sheikh, called on Minister for School Education Advocate Shameema Firdous at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, and congratulated her on assuming charge of the department.
The delegation extended its best wishes to the Minister and expressed hope that her leadership would bring meaningful reforms, improved administrative efficiency and timely resolution of long-pending issues concerning the teaching community.
During the meeting, the JKTF representatives submitted a comprehensive memorandum highlighting various service-related grievances of teachers and other employees, along with suggestions for strengthening the public education system.
Among the major demands, the Forum sought restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS). It also urged the government to examine cases of employees whose recruitment advertisements or notifications were issued before the implementation of NPS, in accordance with applicable rules and government instructions.
The delegation strongly emphasised the need to conduct the long-pending Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for the promotion of eligible Teachers to Masters. It also demanded regular DPCs at all eligible levels to eliminate career stagnation and ensure timely promotions.
The Forum called for early implementation of the Annual Transfer Drive (ATD) through a transparent and impartial mechanism, particularly for teachers serving in hard zones. It also sought a fair transfer policy for eligible teachers appointed under the Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) scheme.
Other significant demands included enhancement of the monthly honorarium of AAYAs and cooks working in government schools, timely payment of their remuneration, clearance of pending liabilities under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme/PM POSHAN and settlement of pending cases of eligible land donors who contributed land for establishing government educational institutions.
The delegation also stressed the need to fill vacant sanctioned posts of Teachers, Masters, Headmasters, Lecturers, Principals, Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) and Zonal Education Planning Officers (ZEPOs) through appropriate recruitment and promotion procedures. It sought time-bound settlement of pending regularisation, confirmation, seniority, pay-related matters and service issues concerning in-charge Lecturers.
Highlighting the importance of improving academic standards, JKTF demanded strengthening of DIETs, JKBOSE and JKSCERT through adequate staffing, effective leadership and timely filling of vacant positions.
The Forum also proposed examining the feasibility of establishing separate Directorates for Elementary School Education and Secondary and Senior Secondary Education under a single administrative department to improve academic supervision, accountability and administrative efficiency.
The memorandum further highlighted the shortage of ministerial and clerical staff in the offices of Chief Education Officers (CEOs), Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) and Government High and Higher Secondary Schools. The delegation said adequate administrative support was necessary to reduce the additional workload on teaching staff.
Other issues raised included facilitation for eligible in-service Graduate Teachers pursuing B.Ed. programmes through recognised institutions, early disposal of pending one-time exemption cases relating to higher qualifications, effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and a comprehensive policy for timely promotions and financial upgradation of employees facing prolonged career stagnation.
The Forum also sought special financial incentives and hardship allowances for teachers serving in remote, difficult and far-flung areas. It called for a review of pay grades and service benefits to address disparities between teachers in Jammu and Kashmir and their counterparts in other Union Territories, subject to applicable rules.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed Ashraf Sheikh said teachers constitute the backbone of the education system and their professional dignity, financial security and career progression must receive due attention.
He expressed hope that the Education Minister would sympathetically consider the genuine demands raised by the Forum and issue appropriate directions to the concerned authorities for their examination and resolution within a definite timeframe.
Minister Shameema Firdous gave the delegation a patient hearing and held detailed discussions on various aspects of the education sector in Jammu and Kashmir. She appreciated the concerns raised by the representatives and assured them that all possible measures would be explored to address their genuine demands.
The delegation expressed gratitude to the Minister for sparing her valuable time and providing an opportunity for meaningful interaction.
Later, the JKTF delegation also called on Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo and congratulated her.
During the interaction, the delegation expressed appreciation for her continued support to the teaching community and employees of Jammu and Kashmir. The representatives particularly acknowledged her positive approach towards employee-related issues.
Sakina Itoo assured the JKTF leadership of her continued support and cooperation in addressing the genuine concerns of the employees’ community. The delegation welcomed her assurance and thanked her for the encouraging response.
Reiterating its commitment to constructive engagement, the Forum maintained that regular dialogue between employee organisations and the government was essential for resolving long-pending grievances and safeguarding the welfare and dignity of employees.
JKTF expressed confidence that sustained interaction and timely government intervention would help address the concerns of the teaching community and strengthen educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
Those who formed part of the delegation included Mehmood-ul-Rayaz Bhat and Sandeep Kumar Bhat, UT Vice Presidents; Aakash Kashyap, UT Additional General Secretary; Raman Kumar Sharma, State Secretary; Vikee Pandita, Media Secretary, JKTF; Onkar Singh, Provincial General Secretary, EJAC; Rachit Kachroo, Executive Member; and Raju Koul.