The Unseen Heroes of Education: Seasonal Teachers in Jammu and Kashmir

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

BY TAHIR MUSTAFA COLUMNIST 

RAJOURI FEBRUARY 14:In the rugged and picturesque Pir Panjal ranges of Jammu and Kashmir, a unique phenomenon takes place every summer. As the tribal population migrates to the upper reaches with their cattle and herds, a group of dedicated teachers follows them, braving the harsh conditions to educate the children. These seasonal teachers are the unsung heroes of education, working tirelessly to ensure that the children of the tribal population do not miss out on their right to education.

The life of a seasonal teacher is not an easy one. They work in extremely challenging conditions, with no electricity, infrastructure, or road connectivity. The weather is unpredictable, and the classrooms are often makeshift tents or structures. Despite these challenges, the seasonal teachers persevere, using innovative methods to engage their students and make learning fun.

The impact of seasonal teachers on the education of the tribal population cannot be overstated. Without them, the children would miss out on their education, and the community would suffer as a result. The seasonal teachers not only provide education but also act as role models, inspiring the children to pursue their dreams and ambitions.

Many of these teachers have been working for years, some are overage, and some have sadly passed away, all while waiting for a suitable permanent policy. Despite this, they remain committed to their work, recognizing the importance of education in building a strong nation.

They teach students who are disconnected from the modern world, belonging to far-flung areas and villages where basic amenities are scarce. When these students move to forest areas with their families, they are completely cut off from the village, city, and market, with no knowledge of the modern world. However, the seasonal teachers are dedicated to caring for these children, providing them with a foundation in literacy and numeracy.

They work tirelessly to help their students develop essential skills, including writing, speaking, and practical skills. Their efforts are truly commendable, and their impact on the lives of these children cannot be overstated.

To address the challenges faced by seasonal teachers, the government should consider the following recommendations:

– Provide seasonal teachers with a permanent job policy, recognizing their experience and expertise.
– Attach seasonal teachers to lower government schools during the winter months, providing them with a stable income and a chance to continue teaching.
– Increase the honorarium paid to seasonal teachers, recognizing the challenges they face and the value they bring to the education system.
– Invest in infrastructure development in the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal ranges, providing seasonal teachers with better working conditions and facilities.
– Provide seasonal teachers with training and capacity-building opportunities, enabling them to upgrade their skills and knowledge.

Seasonal teachers in Jammu and Kashmir bear the weight of relentless uncertainty, trapped in a cycle of job insecurity, meager wages, and delayed payments that push them to the brink of financial distress. With every passing day, they struggle to make ends meet, forced to navigate a life where their dedication is met with neglect.

Their invaluable role in shaping young minds goes unnoticed, as they work tirelessly without the assurance of a stable future. These educators, who stand as pillars of knowledge and hope in their communities, are denied even the most fundamental social security benefits. No provident fund to secure their future, no pension to support them in old age—only the anxiety of an unstable livelihood.

Their working conditions, especially in remote and underdeveloped areas, are nothing short of grueling. Many travel long distances through harsh terrains, battling extreme weather and inadequate infrastructure, just to reach their students. Yet, despite their sacrifices, they remain unrecognized, their struggles invisible to the very system they serve.

The lack of career growth and the absence of a policy for regularization leave them in a constant state of fear—fear of losing their jobs, fear of being forgotten, and fear of being replaced without a second thought. They pour their hearts into teaching, driven not by financial gain but by passion, yet they are left with nothing but uncertainty in return.

Their dreams of stability, of a dignified life, remain just that—dreams. They do not demand luxuries; they ask only for fairness—timely and adequate wages so they can support their families, proper infrastructure so they can teach in dignified conditions, job security so they can plan for their future, and recognition so they no longer feel invisible.

They yearn for a structured policy that acknowledges their sacrifices, secures their employment, and ensures they can continue their noble work without the constant fear of being discarded. Despite being the backbone of education in these regions,

conclusion, the seasonal teachers of Jammu and Kashmir are a shining example of dedication and commitment to education. Despite the challenges they face, they continue to inspire and educate the children of the tribal population. It is time for the government to recognize their contribution and provide them with a stable and secure future. Only then can we ensure that the children of the tribal population receive the education they deserve, and that the seasonal teachers are able to continue their noble work.