JK Teachers’ Forum Meets Education Minister, Flags Manpower Gaps and Transfer Policy Issues

Convener News Desk

Jammu/Srinagar, Jan 11: A delegation of the Jammu & Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) on Friday met Education Minister Sakeena Itoo and submitted a memorandum highlighting a range of long-pending administrative, academic and service-related issues affecting teachers and students across the Union Territory.

The delegation, led by JKTF Chairman Mehraj-ud-Din Zargar and UT Vice President M. Ashraf Sheikh, discussed concerns related to teacher shortages, transfer policies, promotions and administrative vacancies in the school education sector.
The JKTF delegation comprised UT General Secretary Mr. Mir Bashir Ahmad, UT Secretary Mr. Mir Ab Qayoom, UT Organiser Mr. G. R. Chowdhary, Vice Chairman (Jammu) Mr. Sanjeet Sharma, Provincial Secretary Mr. Haroon Rasheed, District President Baramulla Mr. Hilal Ahwani, and Zonal President Langate Handwara Mr. M. Rafeeq Malik.

Officials said the Education Minister gave a detailed hearing to the issues raised and assured that genuine demands would be examined sympathetically and addressed in a phased and time-bound manner.

According to the Forum, the memorandum stressed the need for rational deployment of teaching staff, particularly in rural and far-flung areas, in line with the prescribed Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR).

It was pointed out that despite official claims, several schools continue to face acute staff shortages, adversely impacting academic outcomes.

The Forum also sought complete availability of textbooks before the start of the academic session, immediate appointment of the Chairman, Board of School Education (BOSE), and early filling of vacant administrative posts, including those of CEOs, ZEOs, principals and headmasters.

Another major concern raised was the lack of rotation of district and zonal cultural coordinators, with the Forum alleging prolonged tenures leading to stagnation.

It also flagged the absence of a structured transfer policy for Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers, many of whom have remained posted at the same stations for years, and demanded a transparent policy in line with recent tribunal orders.

The JKTF, which is affiliated with the All India Secondary Teachers Federation and Education International, reiterated its commitment to strengthening quality education in Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with NEP 2020 and the NIPUN Bharat initiative.
Forum members said they hoped the assurances given by the Education Minister would translate into concrete action on the ground, bringing relief to the teaching community and improving learning outcomes for students.