Srinagar, Feb 04: The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) has condemned what it termed the arbitrary refusal by the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Hajin, to draw travelling allowance (TA) in favour of teachers who were officially engaged for several days in connection with preparations for Republic Day celebrations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Forum said teachers had remained continuously deployed for nearly a week prior to January 26 under departmental directions, performing duties related to coordination, rehearsals and management of assigned responsibilities. Despite this, their TA claims were denied, causing inconvenience and resentment among the teaching fraternity.
The Forum clarified that teachers were not seeking TA for participation in Republic Day celebrations on January 26 itself. “Teachers, as responsible citizens, willingly participate in national functions. The issue pertains exclusively to preparatory duties carried out over multiple days before Republic Day, which involved official movement and are admissible under existing rules,” the statement said.
JKTF pointed out that Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) in several other zones had already drawn and released TA to teachers engaged in similar Republic Day-related duties, indicating that such claims are legitimate and in line with prevailing financial norms. The Forum alleged that the denial of TA in Hajin zone was discriminatory and lacked administrative justification.
Stating that travelling allowance is a statutory entitlement and not an administrative concession, the Forum warned that withholding lawful dues adversely affects staff morale and sets an unhealthy precedent within the department.
The Teachers Forum urged the concerned authorities to intervene and ensure immediate release of the TA without further delay, stating that teachers cannot be expected to shoulder additional official responsibilities while their legitimate entitlements are withheld.
The statement was issued by JKTF District President Sajad Ahmad. The Forum reiterated that it would continue to pursue the matter through organisational and democratic means to safeguard the rights and lawful entitlements of teachers.
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