ABRSM slams delay in teachers' transfers, alleges political interference

• The govt has yielded to the pressure of politicians and influential employees: ABRSM

JAMMU: The Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM), Jammu and Kashmir UT, has strongly criticized the Education Department for the unwarranted and deliberate delay in the annual transfer drive of Teachers and Masters in the Jammu division.

In a formal communication addressed to the Hon’ble Education Minister Ms. Sakeena Ittoo and the Commissioner Secretary, ABRSM UT General Secretary Mr. Gulshan Raina expressed deep concern over the repeated halting of the transfer process. According to Mr. Raina, despite the department initiating the transfer exercise twice this year, the process was inexplicably abandoned mid-way each time, raising serious doubts about the transparency and intent of the administration.

Mr. Raina alleged that political pressure and influence from well-connected employees have derailed the entire process, thereby denying fair opportunities to hundreds of deserving teachers. “The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) had already approved transfer lists for all ten districts, but the exercise was suddenly put on hold, clearly indicating external interference,” he said.

Calling this a violation of the fundamental rights of employees, Mr. Raina pointed out that many teachers have been posted in remote and difficult areas for over a decade, while those with powerful connections continue to remain at **prime urban postings. “Every teacher deserves an equal opportunity to serve at a convenient location. However, the system seems to favour only a select few,” he added.

Mr. Raina further lamented that while there is consistent rhetoric about improving the quality of education, the ground reality reveals a different story. “When it comes to ensuring justice for educators, the system crumbles under pressure,” he remarked. Highlighting recent malpractices, Mr. Raina alleged that some Chief Education Officers have misused the rationalization process to selectively benefit their favoured individuals. “There appears to be a well-entrenched nexus working to sabotage the transfer policy, and this demands a **high-level inquiry,” he asserted.

The ABRSM has urged the Hon’ble Education Minister to personally intervene and ensure that the transfer process is completed in Jammu Division, just as it was in the Kashmir Division. Failure to act immediately, Mr. Raina warned, may compel the teaching fraternity to resort to agitation and protest.