Demands Hardship Allowance for Zone-IV and Zone-V employees, resolution of service issues
JAMMU, Oct 29: The Jammu and Kashmir National Old Pension Restoration United Front (JK NOPRUF) has welcomed Shameema Firdous on her appointment as Education Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and appreciated Sakina Itoo for her contributions to the education sector.
In a statement, UT General Secretary of JK NOPRUF, Sakoon Manir, expressed hope that the new Education Minister would address the long-pending grievances of teachers and introduce effective measures to improve the functioning of the School Education Department.
The Front has demanded Old Pension Scheme (OPS) coverage for all eligible Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers in accordance with Government Order No. 305-F of 2026. It has urged the government to examine cases involving recruitment notifications or advertisements issued, or engagements made, before December 24, 2009, and ensure that eligible teachers receive their due pensionary benefits.
JK NOPRUF has also called for the restoration of OPS for eligible government employees, resolution of pending regularisation cases and other service-related issues of ReT teachers, timely Departmental Promotion Committee meetings, clearance of pending promotions, and correction of pay anomalies and disparities.
Another key demand is the introduction of a special hardship allowance for teachers and other government employees serving in Zone-IV and Zone-V areas. The Front said difficult terrain, harsh weather, inadequate connectivity and challenging working conditions place additional burdens on employees working in these areas and warrant appropriate financial recognition.
Speaking on the demands, Sakoon Manir said teachers were the backbone of the education system and that protecting their service rights, ensuring social security and improving working conditions were essential for strengthening educational standards across the Union Territory.
He urged the government to ensure due consideration for eligible ReT teachers under the applicable pension rules and orders, while also resolving service-related grievances, releasing pending arrears and ensuring fair promotional opportunities.
The Front expressed hope that the new Education Minister would take concrete steps towards establishing a transparent and employee-friendly administrative system.
JK NOPRUF reiterated its commitment to pursuing these demands through peaceful, democratic and constructive means, emphasising that pension security, professional dignity and equitable service conditions were essential for the welfare of the teaching fraternity and the overall improvement of education in Jammu and Kashmir.