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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Published: 19 June 2024

AYODHYA: The ABRSM delegates from Jammu and Kashmir strongly raised the issues of teachers and of higher education and school education in the recently concluded  National Executive meeting of the Akhil Bhartiya Rashtriya Shakshik Mahasangh  (ABRSM) at Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj Ayodhya. 

In the various sessions of the three days meeting various issues of national, social and educational concerns were discussed. Delegates from Jammu and Kashmir Led by National Internal Auditor and Parbhari of Higher Education in Jammu Kashmir, Devraj Thakur, and Rattan chand JK UT president of (School Education) wings of ABRSM strongly raised some genuinely ne issues of teachers community of Ja..u and Kashmir.

During the deliberations, Mr. Thakur underscored the urgency for uniform implementation of the UGC Regulation 2018 nationwide. He emphasized the need to address anomalies identified by the anomaly redressal committee, advocating for transparency by making their reports public. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of developing robust infrastructure within higher education institutions to effectively implement the National Education Policy, while prioritizing the filling of vacant teaching positions. 

In this meeting, Thakur remarked, "serious concerns were raised regarding the enforcement of the Common University Act by certain state governments, which contradicts the provisions of the National Education Policy. Additionally, objections were voiced against institutions charging fees for Faculty Development Programs, contrary to UGC guidelines. ABRSM has urged UGC to take swift and decisive action in these matters." 

Dr. Jaspal Singh, ABRSM Vice President of Jammu University unit and Punjab Incharge, echoed these sentiments, advocating for various reforms to benefit teaching professionals. "We strongly demand travel allowances and daily allowances for refresher and orientation courses under the Faculty Development Program," he stated. "It is imperative to reinstate paid leave for PhD pursuits and provide travel grants for presenting research work in national and international seminars. Post-doctoral research should also be counted towards career advancement, and graduate colleges should be recognized as research centers for PhD studies." 

The meeting also addressed issues pertinent to school teachers, articulated by State President (School Education)Rattan Sharma, , presented demands regarding promotions through the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for teachers to Masters, advocating for a fair transfer policy across all cadres in Jammu & Kashmir. He also emphasized the restoration of the old pension scheme and the discontinuation of the National Pension Scheme (NPS) for the welfare of the teaching community. 

"The delegates unanimously highlighted the necessity for uniform policies on traveling leave, aligned with other Union Territories," remarked a spokesperson from the national committee of ABRSM. "These concerns, along with the restoration of the old pension scheme and other pertinent issues, have been formally included in the charter of demands set to be submitted to Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, in the coming days." 

ABRSM remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of educators across the nation, striving to ensure equitable policies and support mechanisms for their professional growth and development. As the dialogue continues, ABRSM reaffirms its dedication to fostering a conducive environment for excellence in education. National media Parbhari Darshan Bharti and Gulshan Raina,General secretary (School Education) also presented their views on different issues of teachers in Jammu Kashmir.