Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 5: The J&K Teachers Forum (JKTF) today voiced its strong displeasure at the authorities’ persistent delays in addressing the legitimate demands of teachers, noting that the demands of the teachers continue to be overlooked.
During a press interaction on the sidelines of the Teachers’ Day celebration at SKICC here, Mohammad Shafi Rather, president JKTF, expressed the frustrations of educators who, he said, feel victimized and forced into confrontation.
Rather remarked, “While functions are held to honour teachers, their genuine demands continue to be ignored, creating a glaring disparity. The Government’s most significant favour to us would be to address these demands promptly.”
He emphasized that teachers’ sense neglect as ceremonies lauding their contributions occur, “yet their essential issues remain unresolved.”
Speaking about the educators’ demands, Rather highlighted that inexplicably, the promotion of teachers to the rank of masters has been halted in Kashmir. “In contrast, Jammu has successfully conducted the Departmental Promotion Committee meeting for Teacher-Master promotions, with promoted teachers contributing their best to the department.”
Despite repeated assurances, he said, the authorities have fallen short of honouring the commitments, resulting in teachers’ growing frustration.
Rather added that even the promotion of masters to the level of headmasters has hit roadblocks. He urged those responsible to address the plight of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers.
He pointed out that teachers recruited under the RT pattern continue to grapple with numerous issues despite the program’s inception in 2000. “The in-situ promotion of approximately 700 reduced RRTs remains pending despite court directives. The reluctance of Chief Education Officers to grant them time bound promotions and neglecting issues related to the transfer of Grade II, Grade III teachers, and RRTs exacerbates the situation.”
Highlighting administrative inefficiencies, he stated that General Provident Fund cases of employees face delays, undermining the fund’s purpose as a safety net during times of need.
He called on the Government to expedite the filling of vacancies for key educational positions, including C.E.Os, D.I.E.T Principals, Higher Secondary Principals, Z.E.Os, Z.E.P.Os, Lecturers, Teachers, clerical staff, and Class IV employees without further delay.
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