Srinagar, September 26: The Jammu & Kashmir Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum (JKReTTF) has criticised a recent statement attributed to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bandipora District President Syed Sajad Hussain, describing his remarks concerning the teaching community as “illogical, factually misplaced and disappointing.”
In a statement issued to the media, JKReTTF General Secretary Khalid Rafeeq Bhat said the teaching community, particularly Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers, had faced what he described as “unwarranted targeting and humiliation” over the years.
Referring to the issue of screening tests for Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers, Bhat said the proposal was introduced during the PDP-led government under the then Education Minister Naeem Akhtar and had been opposed by the teaching community.
Bhat also questioned what he described as a change in Hussain’s position, saying that the latter had previously been associated with the Education Department and had raised teachers’ concerns in the past.
“Today, it is unfortunate to see a person who himself remained associated with the Education Department and who once raised the genuine concerns of teachers as their representative taking a completely different position,” Bhat said.
Defending the professional qualifications of teachers, Bhat said members of the teaching community hold qualifications including BA, MA, B.Ed., M.Ed. and Ph.D., besides other academic and professional credentials.
He questioned whether a 150-question objective-type examination could, by itself, determine a teacher’s professional competence, experience and dedication.
“A teacher’s contribution is reflected in years of classroom experience, academic qualifications, professional training, service to students and commitment to society,” Bhat said, adding that the dignity of teachers should be respected.
The JKReTTF also urged the PDP leadership, including party president Mehbooba Mufti, to clarify its position on the issue.
“The party high command must make its stand clear,” Bhat said, questioning why, according to the forum, the teaching community repeatedly becomes the subject of statements and policies associated with party leaders.
Bhat said JKReTTF would continue to raise issues concerning the professional rights and dignity of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers.
“Teachers have served the people of Jammu & Kashmir with dedication through difficult circumstances. Their academic qualifications, years of service and contribution to nation-building cannot be dismissed or judged through a single objective-type examination,” he said.
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