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SRINAGAR JUNE 10 :–Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Association (JKTA), led by UT President Bhupinder Singh, met with Alok Kumar, IRS Administrative Secretary School Education, to extend a warm welcome as he assumed his new office. During this meeting, the association presented a detailed memorandum highlighting several burning issues faced by the teaching community in Jammu and Kashmir.
JKTA delegation emphasized the need for the timely Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for teachers aspiring to be promoted to master roles. The association also demanded the regularization of lecturers, pending since 2011-12, issue that requires immediate resolution to secure the career progression.
The association also urged for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for teachers regularized after 2010.
JKTA called for the implementation of a transfer policy for teachers appointed under the Rehber-e-Taleem (RET) Scheme. The association proposed allowing female teachers to transfer within their district for family and personal reasons and adopting a Zonal-level transfer policy for male teachers to ensure a smoother and more equitable process.
Another demand submitted include the implementation of the Union Territory (UT) Grade for Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (JKUT) employees, ensuring parity with their counterparts in other Union Territories,
The regularization of Educational Volunteers (EVs) is a long-standing issue, provision of ministerial staff to High Schools (HS) and Higher Secondary Schools (HSS), allowing teachers to focus on teaching rather than administrative tasks. Additionally, the association emphasized the importance of timely salary disbursement, urging that salaries be paid promptly on the first day of each month to ensure the financial stability of teachers.
The association requested that the Annual Transfer Drive (ATD) be conducted in June 2024 to minimize disruption to the new academic session. JKTA also proposed a revision of the zonation system in the Annual Transfer Drives (ATD), advocating for a proximity-based approach rather than distance from district headquarters.
JKTA also called for a resolution of various issues faced by teachers in Zonal Education Offices, Chief Education Offices, and the Directorate of School Education, proposing a time-bound mechanism for grievance redressal.
Promoting the use of the mother tongue in educational institutions is another priority for JKTA. This initiative would preserve linguistic heritage and help build well-rounded individuals connected to their culture.
The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the primary level is also deemed crucial by JKTA.
JKTA addressed the need for post facto exam permissions, enabling teachers to enhance their qualifications without hindrance. The association also highlighted the inefficiency caused by multiple attendance marking systems, requesting a single method to streamline the process.
Lastly, JKTA delegation demanded exempting of teachers from non-teaching assignments. Excessive administrative paperwork, preparation of midday meals, redundant training sessions, and other tasks unrelated to classroom instruction divert valuable time and energy from teaching.
The JKTA delegation expressed their hope that these issues would be addressed to enhance the educational landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.
Administrative secretary gave a patient hearing to the demands of the Association and assured genuine redressal.
The delegation included Sr. Vice President Akhtar Abbas Naik, Provincial Vice President Tirth Singh Balwal, Chairman District Udhampur Surjeet Singh and Ram Singh.
