Baljeet Singh
In the scenic region of Jammu, nestled in the northern part of India, education has always been viewed as a powerful tool for progress and upliftment. Private schools, alongside government institutions, have played a crucial role in providing educational services to thousands of children across urban and rural areas. However, behind the curtains of these institutions, there lies a deeply troubling reality-the plight of private school teachers who are struggling to survive in a system that grossly underpays and undervalues them. It is a sad and unfortunate truth that even highly experienced and qualified private school teachers in Jammu receive meagre salaries that do not reflect their educational background, expertise, or dedication. In an era of soaring inflation, rising living costs, and increasing responsibilities, these educators find themselves trapped in a cycle of financial insecurity and emotional distress.
One of the most disheartening aspects of this issue is that teachers holding postgraduate degrees, B.Ed qualifications, and years of teaching experience are paid salaries as low as ?5,000 to ?8,000 per month in many private schools. Even those working in relatively reputed institutions often do not earn more than ?15,000 per month, which is far below what is needed to maintain a decent standard of living in today’s economy. To put it into perspective, many skilled labourers and daily wage workers earn more than what these educators take home after a month’s worth of teaching, planning, grading, mentoring, and managing classrooms. The disparity between their contribution to society and their compensation is not just unfair-it is dehumanizing. What is even more disheartening and dejected is the fact that teachers who have dedicated 4 to 5 years or even more – to the same school are often denied any meaningful increment or appraisal. Despite their loyalty, consistent performance, and the critical role they play in maintaining the academic reputation of the institution, their salary remains static year after year.This kind of treatment is not just unfair – it is inhumane. Any organization that ignores the growth of its employees, especially educators, is sowing seeds of decay in its own foundation. Teachers are not machines – they need recognition, encouragement, and a sense of progression just like any other professional.
India, like many parts of the world, is facing persistent inflation across essential goods and services – groceries, electricity, transportation, healthcare, and education costs have all surged. In this environment, private school teachers earning less than ?10,000 per month find it nearly impossible to make ends meet, let alone save for emergencies, children’s education, or retirement. Most of these teachers are responsible for supporting families, paying rent, commuting long distances, and covering daily expenses. Their financial constraints often force them to take tuitions after school hours or work on weekends just to survive. The mental and physical toll this takes is enormous. Another grave concern is the lack of job security and absence of basic employment benefits such as provident fund, medical insurance, paid leaves, or maternity benefits. Most private school teachers are hired on temporary or contractual basis, with some schools adopting a “hire and fire” policy to avoid paying during vacations or lean periods. Many schools in Jammu do not issue formal appointment letters or maintain proper employee records, making it extremely difficult for teachers to challenge exploitative practices or demand their rightful dues. This informality in employment further adds to their vulnerability and dependence on the whims of school managements. A large percentage of private school teachers in Jammu are women, and they are often more vulnerable to exploitation. Despite being more qualified than their male counterparts in many cases, they are offered lower salaries or denied promotions. Issues such as gender bias, lack of safety at the workplace, and denial of maternity rights also persist in various institutions. Women educators, who play a pivotal role in shaping young minds, are often expected to take on multiple roles – teaching, administration, discipline management, and extracurricular planning – without any additional pay or recognition.
Working in such an exploitative environment leads to intense emotional and psychological stress among teachers. Being overworked and underpaid can destroy self-esteem and motivation. Teachers often feel helpless, frustrated, and disillusioned, which inevitably affects the quality of education being delivered. Moreover, the societal perception that teachers are “noble workers” who must sacrifice monetary gain for the greater good contributes to the normalization of their exploitation. While teaching is indeed a noble profession, it should not be used as a justification to underpay or mistreat those who dedicate their lives to it. Despite the challenges, many teachers continue to work in private schools due to lack of alternative employment opportunities, passion for teaching, or familial responsibilities that prevent them from relocating or changing professions. For many, it is a question of survival rather than choice. The shortage of government teaching jobs, coupled with rigid recruitment processes and political interference in appointments, means that even the most talented and experienced educators are left with no option but to accept whatever terms private schools offer.
The condition of private school teachers in Jammu is a mirror of a deeper systemic failure – a society that values outcomes of education but neglects those who make it possible. Until we recognize the dignity and rights of teachers and ensure they are compensated fairly for their hard work, our education system will continue to be built on fragile and unjust foundations. It is time for policymakers, school managements, parents, and the society at large to come together and demand dignity, justice, and fair pay for the educators of Jammu. For without empowered teachers, there can be no empowered future.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
