Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 13: A joint delegation representing various teachers’ organisations of Jammu & Kashmir today called on Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary at Civil Secretariat, Jammu, and apprised him of several pressing issues concerning the teaching fraternity and the overall functioning of the education system in the Union Territory.
During the meeting, the delegation submitted a comprehensive memorandum seeking urgent intervention on a number of long-pending and critical matters affecting teachers as well as institutional efficiency.
The delegation urged the Government to file a review petition in the Supreme Court regarding TET-related issues to ensure justice and relief to thousands of affected teachers. It also called for timely promotions of teachers as Masters through regular convening of DPC and clearance of all pending promotion cases on priority.
Highlighting administrative gaps, the delegation stressed the immediate need to fill vacant posts of Chief Education Officers (CEOs), Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), Principals, Headmasters and Lecturers to improve governance and institutional accountability.
The delegation underscored the necessity of introducing a transparent and rational transfer policy for Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers, implementation of time-bound career progression policies in line with NEP 2020, early disposal of one-time exemption cases of teachers possessing degrees from UGC-recognized universities.
Highlighting the problem being faced in Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme, the members suggested its implementation through NGOs or specialized agencies. They also emphasized the need for rationalization of hardship postings and strengthening of the Annual Transfer Drive (ATD).
Among other issues, the delegation sought enhancement of honorarium of cooks to Rs 5000 along with implementation of Minimum Wages Act provisions for Cooks and School AAYAs, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and upgradation of school infrastructure.
The delegation also stressed the importance of stakeholder consultation in policy formulation, provision of special incentives for teachers posted in hard zones, and granting of special status to teachers.
The Deputy Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that all genuine demands would be examined sympathetically and addressed on priority.
The delegation comprised of Bhupinder Singh, Mohammed Ashraf Sheikh, Mrignayani Slathia, Younis Rahi Malik, Onkar Singh, Rattan Sharma, Rajesh Paul, Dr Syed Nusrat Hussain Shah, Sandeep Bhat, Ravi Kumar and others.
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