KISHTWAR, Jun 23: Expressing serious concern over the continued vacancy of the post of Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Drabshalla since April 2026, the Jammu & Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) on Wednesday said that the delay has adversely affected the functioning of the Education Department in the zone and resulted in non-disbursement of salaries to teachers and staff.
In a press statement issued here, JKTF UT Vice President Sanjeet Sharma said that one of the most pressing issues arising due to the absence of a regular ZEO is the delay in processing and disbursement of salaries of employees working in the zone.
“Teachers are facing severe hardship and financial distress due to non-release of salaries. The situation has created uncertainty among staff members who continue to perform their duties despite administrative challenges,” the Forum said.
JKTF emphasized that teachers should not suffer because of administrative vacancies and delays, maintaining that uninterrupted salary disbursement is a basic administrative responsibility and essential for maintaining staff morale and ensuring smooth functioning of educational institutions.
The Forum appealed to the Commissioner Secretary School Education Department, Director School Education Jammu, and the Administrative Department to take immediate steps to fill the vacant post or make suitable interim arrangements through delegation of drawing & disbursing powers so that official work, particularly salary processing, does not remain affected.
JKTF further warned that if the matter is not resolved at the earliest and teachers continue to suffer due to non-release of salaries, the Forum will be compelled to intensify its democratic and peaceful struggle and may launch protests in the coming days to safeguard the legitimate interests of teachers.
The Forum expressed hope that the authorities will intervene without delay and resolve the issue in the larger interest of employees and the education sector.