Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 8: The All Jammu & Kashmir Teachers Forum (AJKTF), affiliated with the All India Secondary Teachers Federation (AISTF), convened a virtual mode meeting today under the chairmanship of its UT President, Mohd Ashraf Sheikh, to deliberate on the pressing issue concerning the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) order and other departmental matters affecting the teaching fraternity across Jammu and Kashmir.
During the deliberations, participants held detailed discussions on the recent developments related to the TET order and its implications for in-service teachers working in the School Education Department.
Expressing serious concern over the uncertainty and anxiety prevailing among teachers, the participants unanimously resolved that JKTF will pursue all possible measures to seek the quashing of the order. The members observed that the directive has created apprehension among thousands of in-service teachers who have been serving the department with dedication for many years.
Addressing the gathering, UT President Mohd Ashraf Sheikh stated that the Forum will undertake a comprehensive examination of the order and adopt all necessary steps to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the teaching community.
Mr. Sheikh further informed that the Forum will soon consult legal experts to explore all available legal avenues in this regard and if required, judicial forum will be approached to seek relief.
Urging the Government to reconsider the decision, Mr Sheikh said that teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of society and therefore policies affecting them should be taken after due consultation with stakeholders. He appealed to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and take up the matter with the Union Government so that the genuine concerns of in-service teachers can be addressed.
Highlighting the broader context, Mr. Sheikh noted that the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 was extended to Jammu and Kashmir after the constitutional changes of 2019. He observed that the education system of the Union Territory has undergone several structural changes since then, and therefore policy decisions concerning teachers must be taken keeping in view the regional realities.
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