Early Times Report
Udhampur, Jan 7: The Jammu Kashmir Teachers’ Joint Action Committee (JKTJAC) convened its monthly meeting in Udhampur, led by UT President Vinod Sharma and District President Lekh Raj Parihar on January 7, 2024. Representatives from all eleven zones of the district attended the meeting, where pressing issues affecting the teaching fraternity were brought to the forefront.
UT President Vinod Sharma addressed the gathering, highlighting several genuine concerns affecting teachers and urging authorities to resolve them in the best interest of the teaching community. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive transfer policy for teachers appointed under the ReT scheme, who have served in the same schools for over two decades. Sharma appealed to the Administrative Secretary of School Education to consider the genuine demand for a transfer policy, particularly benefiting those serving in remote areas.
Among the issues raised, Sharma urged for the approval of 24 inter-district mutual transfer files, the conversion of headteachers’ posts into non-plan posts for justice in headless middle schools, and clear directives from the Administrative Department regarding permission for teachers and masters to enhance their qualifications.
Sharma acknowledged the teacher-friendly approach of the Director of School Education, Jammu, particularly praising the issuance of mutual transfer orders for two districts. He expressed hope for a similar approach in issuing regularization orders for ReTs who have completed their 5-year ReT period, conversion of RRETs to Teachers Grade II/III, and mutual transfer orders for other districts.
Other demands emphasized during the meeting included raising the grade of teachers to match counterparts in other UTs, filling up vacant posts of ZEOs to address headless zones, and the prompt issuance of DPC lists for teachers to masters.
Vinod Sharma also called for the resolution of GP fund (refundable and non-refundable) cases for teaching and non-teaching staff, which have been pending in various treasuries for the last 6 to 8 months due to a shortage of cash.
Lekh Raj Parihar, District President of Udhampur, added his voice to the demands, specifically calling for the release of Mid-Day Meal dues, as the recently released amount fell short of covering the already incurred expenses, leaving teachers to manage from their own pockets. The JKTJAC continues its advocacy for the rights and welfare of teachers, urging authorities to take prompt action on these critical issues. |
