JKTA outlines the strategy for the new year, hold meeting at Jammu

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Association (JKTA) held a meeting in Jammu under the leadership of Bhupinder Singh UT President JKTA to discuss its strategic priorities and outline an agenda for the new year. The meeting, chaired by JKTA President Bhupinder Singh, brought together senior office bearers and district representatives to address long-standing issues faced by teachers and to strategize for meaningful improvements in 2025. 

A key focus of the meeting was the implementation of a transparent transfer policy, equitable and fair transfer system for maintaining teacher morale and ensuring the effective distribution of teaching staff, particularly in rural and remote areas. The JKTA focused on early implentation of ATD. The association urged the government to streamline the process to minimize delays and eliminate favoritism, ensuring a merit-based system. 

The association also stressed the importance of conducting timely DPCs Delays in holding DPC meetings have hindered the career progression of many teachers, leading to frustration and a lack of motivation. The JKTA reiterated its demand for a time-bound mechanism to ensure regular promotions, which are critical for the professional growth and satisfaction of educators. 

Clearing pending conversion files was another pressing issue discussed during the meeting. Many Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers await conversion to permanent cadres, and the association called on the government to expedite the processing of these files. This move would provide job security and stability to a large segment of the teaching workforce. 

The JKTA also proposed measures to improve the working conditions of on-duty teachers traveling by train. The association suggested the allocation of reserved berths or sleeper arrangements to ensure that traveling educators are accommodated comfortably and can focus on their assignments without unnecessary stress. 

 The JKTA expressed serious concern over the delayed payments, which have disrupted the program's smooth functioning and strained the relationship between schools and vendors. The association called on the government to clear these dues promptly to restore confidence in the system. 

The association also highlighted the issue of pending promotions to the Master Grade. Teachers eligible for these promotions have been awaiting clarity for a long time. The JKTA demanded that the pending lists of eligible candidates be issued without further delay to ensure fairness and transparency in the promotion process. 

Moreover, the association focused on the timely release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) installments. Given the rising cost of living, these payments are important for the financial well-being of teachers. The JKTA urged the government to prioritize the release of DA installments to alleviate the economic pressures faced by teachers. 

In his address, President Bhupinder Singh UT Peesident JKTA emphasized the need for unity among teachers and collective efforts to achieve these goals. He highlighted the role that teachers play in shaping society and urged the government to recognize their contributions by addressing these long-standing issues. Singh stressed that the new year presents an opportunity to resolve these challenges and improve the working conditions of teachers across the region. He said that there is no difference between Teacher and a Teacher and JKTA is the only bridge between GLT, RRETs, Grade II and Grade III.  

The JKTA also resolved to engage in constructive dialogue with government officials and prepare a detailed memorandum of demands. Plans are underway to organize awareness campaigns and workshops to educate teachers about their rights and policies that affect them. The association is committed to ensuring that the voices of teachers are heard and that tangible improvements are made in the education. JKTA also demanded that vacant posts of ZEOs, Principals, ZEPOs, Lecturers, Headmasters, Masters which are lying vacant in the Jammu and Kashmir for the smooth management and adminstration. The Incharge of the same be assigned such duties. 

 JKTA concepts are also focussed including character building, environmental awareness, management education, teacher education, and the promotion of indigenous languages. These areas, they stressed, would enrich the learning experience and contribute to the holistic development of students throughout Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by the District presidents of all the districts of Jammu province besides provincial and executive body. Others who were present included Hemait Wani,  

Joginder Dingra Vice President UT, Irfan Bijran UT Convenor, Hamait Wani Chief Organisor, Ishaq Rasheed UT Secretary, Poonam Thakur Provincial President Women wing, Kuldeep Singh Provincial Gen. secretary, Manmohan Singh Provincial Chief Spokesperson, Provincial Organisor Joginder Singh, District President Udhampur Sudesh Kumar, Druv Singh DP Samba, Sajad Malik DP Reasi, Ishaq Shawal DP Poonch, Madhu Sambyal DP Jammu, Mohammed Maroof DP Rajouri, Mohinder Singh DP Kishtwar, Reyaz Ahmed Chairman Ramban, Ishaq Khayal DP Poonch Shoket Chohan Chairman Poonch, Randeep Singh, Daleep Singh and many others.