Dr Aftab Jan
A country that aspires to be a fully developed nation, global power and the strongest economy by 2047 cannot exploit its youth by giving a salary of ₹100 /day. Yes, I am talking about the scheme in vogue, namely the REK scheme. The biggest tragedy is that PHD NET SET & JRF qualifiers have been engaged under this scheme. These prestigious national level exams make one eligible to teach at university level but here the fate is reversed. Isn't it a shame?
Keeping in view the growing career options in the field of sports and the momentum the sports field was gaining, a new hope rejuvenated and thousands of students from Jammu and Kashmir switched to higher studies in the physical education subject during the last one decade .But in reality only hopelessness is reigning and the colossal statements about the sports culture look contrast to the tall claims about the sports ecosystem of the country. The sports teachers, who encourage, trains and teach the students in hundreds of institutions across the country are hopeless about their future .
Observing that the unemployed youth with the degrees in physical education are mounting in alarming numbers. The then Govt in the year 2018, decided to absorb these degree holders in youth services and sports department. A scheme namely Rehbari-Khail was introduced, and consequently almost three thousand degree holders were engaged across the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir. Most of the engaged candidates are postgraduates, and there are a considerable number of NET, SET, M.Phl and PhD pass out as well . I being a PHD with JRF , NET, SET feel dejected and disappointed choosing it as as a career option because the terms and conditions laid down in the scheme are two harsh, cruel, inhuman and unjust.According to the scheme, a Rehbari-Khail teacher is given a stipend of rupees three thousand per month that too for seven long years.
What could be more bizarre and cruel than this! Besides adding insult to injury ,there is no service inclusion of these seven years for these unfortunate and unprivileged teachers . It is more like forced labour than a profession.We have been knocking different corridors of power since 5 year so as to get the scheme modified. From protests to meetings ,we did everything in a democratic manner but in response we got assurances from the higher authorities only. Our applications are biting dust in the official shelves of the secretariat.
Very recently, some Rehbari-Khail teachers with extraordinary sports achievements staged a unique way of protest in Jammu. These teachers put their national and international medallions and certificates on sale. It was an attempt to mock and ridicule the official insensitivity towards the teachers who have glorious sports and academic backgrounds to their credit. When a labourer, a carpenter or a mason is paid rupees seven to eight hundred a day, isn't it shocking that an REk teacher is being paid only one hundred rupees a day. Is it possible to manage our families on this amount with old parents at home.
We don't have money to buy even life saving medicines for them.Majority of the teachers are married and facing depression. They are hardly able to meet their personal demands and their families are craving for pennies because of this official apathy and discrimination.
The well-being of every individual in the state is the moral responsibility of a government, but if the government is exploiting its workforce, then who will come to their rescue? Handsome salary is a great motivation for a person to give his/her best.
The Rehbari-Khail teachers are dejected and sad. . People at the helm of affairs should take a Humanitarian look at the matter, and the Rehbari-Khail scheme must be modified to benefit thousands of poor Rehbari-Khail teachers. The monthly stipend should be increased to a handsome level which would uphold labour laws of our erstwhile state and the country. The quantum of our unrecognized service should either be changed or at least reduced to two years.
We deserve compassion and mercy. The recent cabinet decision to cancel the SRO 202 have sent waves of optimism among the physical education teachers and their families. It has rather paved the way for the resolution of their genuine demands. When the government has delivered justice to SRO 202 appointees, why can't it resolve the issue of these poor teachers? The way developmental works are prioritised and getting a new impetus under the present regime, we hope that the Lieutenant Governor will listen to our plight and announce some relief for this unfortunate lot.
The writer Dr Aftab Jan is an Rek with NET, SET JRF in physical education.
