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| JK Teachers Forum submits memorandum to Education Minister, seeks urgent reforms | | | 
early times report
Jammu, Jan 11: A high-level delegation of the Jammu & Kashmir Teachers Forum , affiliated with the All-India Secondary Teachers Federation (AISTF) and Education International, led by Chairman *Mr. Mehraj-ud-Din Zargar* , today called on the Hon’ble Education Minister, Jammu & Kashmir *Ms Sakeena Masood Itoo* , and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting key concerns related to teacher welfare and much-needed systemic reforms in the education sector.
Reaffirming its commitment to NEP-2020, NIPUN Bharat, and the vision of *“One Class, One Teacher*”, the Forum emphasized that quality education cannot be achieved without a motivated, secure, and respected teaching community.
According to the chief Spokesperson Mr M.A.khan , The JKTF leadership strongly stressed the need for judicious and rational distribution of manpower, particularly in rural and far-flung areas, strictly as per the prescribed Pupil–Teacher Ratio (PTR). The Forum also demanded an end to the long-standing practice of teachers holding administrative, cultural, and other additional charges in CEO offices for decades, calling for mandatory rotation of District and Zonal Cultural Coordinators and all such positions to curb favouritism and ensure transparency.
A major concern highlighted was the non-clearance of GP Fund and other bills pending in treasuries for over eight months, which has pushed teachers and employees including pensioners into severe financial distress. JKTF urged the government to accord top priority to the immediate release of GP Fund, leave salaries, and other pending dues, enabling employees to meet essential family, educational, and medical expenses.
The Forum also reiterated its firm demand for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), asserting that pension is not merely a demand but a non-negotiable right that guarantees dignity and financial security to employees in their post-retirement life.
UT General Secretary *Mr Mir Bashir Ahmad* , while reading out the detailed memorandum, laid special emphasis on child-centric reforms, including the creation of a favourable learning atmosphere and the introduction of career-oriented courses at the High School and Higher Secondary levels in line with NEP-2020. _He proposed the introduction of Agriculture and Horticulture as subjects, with the award of a Diploma after completion of Class 12, supported by practical training through integration of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments_. He further advocated the involvement of financial institutions, making it mandatory for banks to provide interest-free loans to Agriculture and Horticulture diploma holders, enabling them to invest in these sectors, address growing unemployment, and enhance agricultural and horticultural production in J&K.
Further, JKTF demanded the orders for *“Special Status”* by J&K Govt to teachers, recognizing their pivotal role in nation-building. The Forum also called for the establishment of *Residential Model High Schools at the zonal level and Residential Model Higher Secondary Schools at the district level across J&K* , on the pattern of Sainik Schools and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, to nurture meritorious students in a competitive academic environment.
Other issues raised included timely distribution of textbooks, early filling of vacant academic and administrative posts, fair implementation of the Annual Transfer Drive, streamlining of the Mid-Day Meal scheme, adoption of e-filing for transparency, and timely promotions and confirmations. Keepung in view the extreme cold weather conditions ,the Forum also demanded extension in vacations in Jammu Division.
The Hon’ble Education Minister patiently heard all concerns and assured the delegation that all genuine issues would be addressed in a time-bound manner & onspot took action on some genuine demands.
The delegation included *UT President Sheikh Mohammad Ashraf* , UT General Secretary Mir Bashir Ahmad, UT Secretary Ab Qayoom, UT Coordinator G.R. Chowdhary, Provincial Secretary Haroon Rasheed, Vice Chairman Sanjeet Sharma, District President Baramulla Hilal Ahmad, along with other senior leaders of the Forum.
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