TA yet to be released for BLO teachers in Bandipora despite official directions: Teachers’ Forum

Convener News Desk 

Bandipora, Dec 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), Bandipora, has expressed concerns over the non-release of Transport Allowance (TA) to teachers performing Booth Level Officer (BLO) duties in the district, despite written directions and recommendations issued by election authorities across north Kashmir.

According to the Forum’s Chief Spokesperson , Anjum Nisar, several Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Additional Deputy Commissioners and District Election Officers in neighbouring districts have issued formal orders recommending or directing the release of TA in favour of BLOs and supervisors for December 2025. However, no such action has been taken in Bandipora so far.

The Forum cited an order issued by the District Election Officer, Baramulla (Order No. DEOB/2025/7931-32 dated December 23, 2025), read with instructions from the Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, and a subsequent circular of the DEO Baramulla, explicitly directing the release of Transport Allowance to BLOs and supervisors for the month of December.

Similar recommendations were issued by the Electoral Registration Officers of Lolab, Langate, Trehgam, Handwara and Kupwara constituencies between December 18 and December 23, endorsing the release of TA in favour of teachers deployed as BLOs and supervisors.

Despite these precedents, JKTF alleged that Bandipora district has failed to process the allowance, even though duty slips of BLO teachers have already been submitted to the office of the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Bandipora.

The Forum has urged the CEO, Bandipora, to communicate the duty details to the concerned Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) and ensure immediate release of the Transport Allowance for December 2025.
JKTF also flagged procedural issues, stating that teachers deployed for non-teaching duties such as election work are often issued ambiguous orders without clear duty slips or formal TA recommendations, leading to delays in payment.

Teachers deployed as BLOs play a key role in electoral processes, including voter verification and roll revision. The Forum said delays in releasing legitimate dues not only cause financial hardship but also demoralise teachers performing election-related duties.