Bandipora, April 2: A high-level delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), affiliated with the All India Secondary Teachers Federation (AISTF), met MLA Bandipora Nizam Ud Din Bhat, I/C CEO Bandipora Dr. G.M. Pujju, and ZEO Quilmuqam Ab Rehman to discuss critical educational concerns, including teacher transfers, rationalization in hard-zone areas, and the implementation of government directives.
An official spokesperson said the delegation was led by JKTF UT General Secretary and J&K EJAC Spokesperson Mir Bashir Ahmad, alongside District President Bandipora Sajad Ahmad Wagay, Patron Noor Mohammad Bhat, District Chief Spokesperson JKTF and UT Spokesperson NMOPS Nissar Anjum, Chief Coordinator Quraishi Hilal Ahmad, and other senior members.
During their interaction with MLA Nizam Ud Din Bhat, the delegation raised concerns about the National Pension System (NPS) and sought his intervention in improving school facilities. The MLA assured full cooperation and pledged to work on resolving these issues.
The meeting concluded with CEO Bandipora Dr. G.M. Pujju, retired Principal HSS Shahgund Dr. Ali Mohammad Nishter, and Mir Bashir Ahmad felicitating teacher Naseer Ahmad Shah for his remarkable efforts in the recent student enrollment drive.
During the meeting, the delegation stressed the need for a structured and fair one-year academic session transfer policy for teachers in hard-zone areas. They emphasized that the transfer dates for moving back to soft zones should be explicitly mentioned to prevent arbitrary delays.
Mir Bashir Ahmad raised concerns over the large-scale transfer of teachers from Quilmuqam, stating that nearly 150 out of 600 teachers have been shifted to Sumbal over the years, leading to severe staff shortages. He urged an immediate review to ensure adequate teacher presence in the zone.
The delegation proposed that Cultural Coordinators be selected on a merit-based system through a transparent interview process, with appointments made for a fixed one-year term.
The delegation appreciated the efforts of CEO Bandipora in ensuring 100% implementation of teacher detachment orders issued by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK). However, concerns were raised that in districts like Kulgam and Baramulla, some teachers are still posted in CEO offices, requiring immediate action.
The forum emphasized the need for rationalization to be conducted strictly as per PTR norms, ensuring fair distribution of teachers across schools to avoid staffing shortages.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mir Bashir Ahmad commended DSEK Dr. G.N. Itoo (KAS) for his initiatives in enhancing student enrollment, curbing corruption, and strengthening academic monitoring. He called for collective efforts to eradicate corruption in the education system and urged teachers to remain committed to providing quality education.
Under the leadership of Chairman Showkat Ali Beig, the JK Teachers Forum reaffirmed its dedication to addressing teachers’ concerns while ensuring that the education of children remains the top priority.
