Convener News Desk
Bandipora, Jan 31: The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) Bandipora has expressed strong resentment and serious concern over what it termed as the unreasonable and unjustified denial of due Travelling Allowance (TA) to teachers who performed official duties during the preparatory phase of Republic Day celebrations.
In a statement, the forum said that almost every teacher in the zone remained actively engaged for nearly a week in preparing students for various cultural and patriotic programmes linked to Republic Day.
These duties, it noted, were not symbolic but involved regular, structured and time-bound responsibilities such as rehearsals, coordination, supervision and mentoring of students beyond routine academic work.
JKTF clarified that it is not demanding TA for participation on Republic Day itself, stating that teachers willingly and proudly took part in the celebrations as responsible and patriotic citizens without any expectation of financial benefit.
The issue, according to the forum, pertains solely to the preparatory duties carried out prior to the event, which were official in nature and required sustained engagement over several days.
The forum further stated that its Chief Spokesperson, Anjum Nisar, met the District Treasury Officer Bandipora, who assured that only duly authenticated duty certificates from the concerned Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) are required for the release of TA.
It added that several DDOs across the district have already authenticated and submitted such certificates, following which TA in favour of concerned teachers is being released.
However, JKTF alleged that the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Bandipora is refusing to authenticate the duty certificates issued by the concerned Heads of Institutions despite the teachers having performed their duties during the preparatory phase.
The forum described this approach as rigid and indifferent, stating that it has caused widespread disappointment and anxiety among the teaching fraternity.
Terming the attitude as unfortunate, discriminatory and demoralising, JKTF said denial of legitimate dues adversely affects teachers’ morale, especially when they are already burdened with academic, administrative and co-curricular responsibilities.
It warned that teachers are feeling deeply aggrieved and there is a growing consensus to approach higher authorities and, if necessary, seek legal remedy if the issue continues unresolved.
The forum urged the Director School Education Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora and other higher authorities to intervene immediately and direct the ZEO Bandipora to authenticate genuine duty certificates without delay so that the legitimate TA of teachers can be released at the earliest.
JKTF stated that failure to resolve the issue amicably and promptly would compel it to explore all democratic and legal options to safeguard the rights and dignity of teachers.
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