JKReTTF Delegation Submits 12-Point Memorandum to Education Minister

Convener News Desk

Srinagar, July 16: A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum (JKReTTF), District Bandipora, on Thursday met Education Minister Sakeena Itoo at the Civil Secretariat and submitted a 12-point memorandum highlighting administrative, service-related and welfare issues concerning the teaching fraternity across Jammu and Kashmir.

The delegation, led by District President Mushtaq Ahmad Hajam, sought policy intervention on a range of issues, including the inclusion of ReT teachers in the General Transfer Policy or the formulation of a separate step transfer policy, conversion of Grade-II and Grade-III teachers to their substantive posts, a one-time exemption for teachers who acquired higher qualifications after March 2024, release of pending Mid-Day Meal funds, enhancement of honorarium for MDM cooks and rationalisation of teacher deployment in far-flung areas.

Other demands included provision of adequate ministerial staff in education offices, ICT infrastructure and digital facilities in elementary schools, engagement of AAYAS support staff where required, strengthening school infrastructure, timely disposal of service-related issues through a transparent mechanism and addressing other welfare concerns of teachers.

According to the delegation, the Education Minister gave a patient hearing to the issues raised and appreciated the organisation’s issue-based approach. She assured the representatives that the memorandum would be examined seriously and that the concerns would be addressed on priority.

The delegation later met Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma, and apprised him of the issues discussed with the minister. According to JKReTTF, the Principal Secretary directed the concerned officers to initiate action on the issues raised and ensure their expeditious processing.

The delegation also held discussions with senior officers of the School Education Department regarding teachers’ service conditions, administrative reforms and institutional welfare. The officers assured the delegation of their cooperation in addressing genuine grievances in a time-bound manner, the forum said.

The delegation included Zonal President Quilmuqam Aijaz Ahmad Wani, Vice Zonal President Quilmuqam Hafizullah Rather, Convenor JKReTTF Zone Quilmuqam Sajad Ahmad and other office-bearers of the organisation.

JKReTTF District Bandipora expressed hope that the assurances received during the meetings would translate into concrete measures for the welfare of teachers and the strengthening of the School Education Department.