By Iqbal Meer | Srinagar
Srinagar: Newly appointed college faculty members serving on academic arrangements across Jammu and Kashmir have appealed to the government to introduce a mutual adjustment policy, citing low pay, challenging terrain, and the emotional toll of being posted far from home.
The educators — many of whom have been serving for over eight months — hold high academic qualifications such as PhD, NET, JRF, SET, and MPhil. Despite their credentials and dedication, they say they continue to face severe hardships due to limited remuneration and difficult living conditions in remote and mountainous regions.
Teachers argue that introducing a fair and transparent mutual adjustment system would bring much-needed relief to hundreds of deserving faculty members. Such a mechanism would allow teachers to swap postings on mutual consent, helping them stay closer to their families while maintaining smooth academic functioning.
“A mutual adjustment policy is not about preference — it’s about practicality,” said a college lecturer from north Kashmir. “It would help us focus more on teaching rather than struggling with travel, loneliness, or financial strain.”
Female faculty members, in particular, have voiced concerns over travel safety, lack of accommodation, and family responsibilities in far-flung areas. They emphasize that mutual transfers would promote women’s empowerment, allowing female educators to balance their professional commitments with personal well-being.
“When women teachers feel safe and settled, they perform better. Supporting them through mutual adjustments is a step toward real gender equality,” said another faculty member.
Several cases of mutual adjustments are already pending approval with the Higher Education Department. Teachers have urged authorities to act swiftly, warning that delays could disrupt academic sessions and demotivate staff.
Stakeholders have called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo to personally review the matter and introduce a clear and compassionate policy for genuine mutual adjustments.
