Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 16: A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), affiliated with the All India Secondary Teachers Federation and Education International, led by UT President Mohammed Ashraf Sheikh, submitted a memorandum to the Joint Director, SCERT Jammu, expressing serious concern over widespread confusion and anxiety among in-service teachers regarding the six-month Certificate (Bridge) Course proposed through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
The Forum stated that recent communications from the School Education Department and SCERT have directed in-service teachers appointed between 28 June 2018 and 11 August 2023, presently working at the primary level with B Ed qualifications, to register for the Bridge Course. The hurried collection of teachers’ data by field offices has further intensified apprehension among thousands of teachers across the Union Territory.
JKTF pointed out that the affected teachers hold B Ed degrees from NCTE-recognised institutions, including the Universities of Jammu and Kashmir, IGNOU, and other recognised universities. At the time of appointment, B Ed was the prescribed and legally valid qualification under the prevailing recruitment rules of Jammu and Kashmir, and appointments were made strictly in accordance with law.
The Forum strongly objected to the imposition of retrospective conditions on legally appointed teachers, stating that any alteration of service conditions after appointment is impermissible in law. JKTF also condemned the practice of compelling teachers to submit undertakings declaring themselves “untrained,” terming it coercive, unconstitutional, and violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution, and legally void.
JKTF sought immediate clarification on whether the Bridge Course is mandatory or optional, whether it is intended purely for capacity building, and whether non-completion would have any adverse impact on service, seniority, promotion, or job security. The Forum also demanded a clear exemption for ReT teachers appointed during 2013-2015 and regularised as General Line Teachers in 2018.
The delegation included Sandeep Bhat (State Vice President), Vikee Pandita (Media Secretary), Raman Kumar (Secretary), along with other senior members of the Forum.
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