Srinagar, September 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Vocational Trainers Welfare Association (JKVTWA) on Thursday began a three-day peaceful protest in Srinagar, pressing for a comprehensive service policy and resolution of long-pending issues concerning vocational trainers working in government schools.
The protest, scheduled from September 24 to 26, centres on the Association’s demand for implementation of recommendations submitted by the Directors of School Education and concerned Chief Education Officers regarding the existing Vocational Training Partner (VTP) system.
The Association said that despite the recommendations having been submitted after examination of the existing vocational education arrangement, the Government is yet to take a final decision on their implementation.
Vocational Trainers have been serving in government schools since 2016, providing vocational education to students of Classes 9 to 12. Their responsibilities include classroom and practical training, counselling, industry exposure, on-the-job training and assessment-related activities.
The Association said that after nearly a decade of service, vocational trainers continue to face uncertainty in the absence of a formal job and service policy. It has sought a clear Government service mechanism and direct Government engagement and administration of vocational trainers, along with an end to the existing VTP-mediated arrangement.
JKVTWA has also demanded continuity and protection of services of trainers who have been working since 2016, besides resolution of pending salary, increment and other service-related issues.
The Association said the three-day protest was scheduled after completion of the syllabus to minimise disruption to students preparing for examinations.
The JKVTWA leadership appealed to the Government to implement the recommendations of the education authorities, formulate a comprehensive service policy and address the concerns of vocational trainers through a concrete policy decision.
The Association reiterated that the protest would remain peaceful and democratic and continue till September 26 in support of its demands.
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