Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Association (JKTA), under the leadership of its UT President Bhupinder Singh, held a pivotal meeting in Jammu to outline its strategic agenda for the year 2025. Senior office bearers, district representatives, and members from across the region gathered to address pressing challenges faced by the teaching community and to strategize meaningful solutions for the upcoming year.
A key focus of the meeting was the implementation of a transparent and equitable transfer policy to ensure fair teacher distribution, particularly in rural and remote areas. The association stressed the importance of executing the Annual Transfer Drive (ATD) on time to eliminate delays and favoritism, thereby fostering a merit-based system that boosts teacher morale. Additionally, JKTA emphasized the need for regular Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings, highlighting that delays in these processes have hindered the career progression of many teachers, leading to frustration and demotivation. The association called for a time-bound mechanism to ensure timely promotions, which are essential for professional growth and satisfaction.
The association also voiced concerns over unresolved Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teacher conversion files, urging the government to expedite their processing to provide job stability and security to eligible candidates. Moreover, JKTA proposed measures to improve the working conditions of on-duty teachers traveling by train, recommending reserved berths or sleeper arrangements to reduce travel-related stress and enhance productivity.
Financial challenges were a prominent topic, with JKTA expressing serious concerns over delayed payments that have disrupted educational programs and strained relationships between schools and vendors. The association called for the immediate clearance of dues to restore confidence in the system. Furthermore, JKTA highlighted the need for the timely release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) installments, emphasizing the financial pressures teachers face due to rising living costs.
The association also addressed the issue of pending promotions to the Master Grade and other senior positions, urging the government to release the lists of eligible candidates without further delay. Additionally, it demanded the filling of vacant posts such as ZEOs, Principals, ZEPOs, Lecturers, Headmasters, and Masters to ensure smooth administration and effective management within the education system.
President Bhupinder Singh, in his address, called for unity among teachers and emphasized collective efforts to achieve these goals. He underscored that JKTA serves as a vital bridge between various teacher categories, including GLT, RRETs, Grade II, and Grade III. Singh also stressed the role of teachers in shaping society and urged the government to address their long-standing issues, ensuring a better working environment for educators across the region.
The association also resolved to focus on broader educational objectives, such as promoting character building, environmental awareness, indigenous languages, and teacher education. Plans were announced to organize workshops and awareness campaigns to educate teachers about their rights and relevant policies. JKTA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the voices of teachers are heard and tangible improvements are made in the education system.
The meeting was attended by district presidents from all districts of Jammu province, along with members of the provincial and executive body. Prominent attendees included Vice President Joginder Dingra, UT Convenor Irfan Bijran, Chief Organizer Hamait Wani, UT Secretary Ishaq Rasheed, Women Wing Provincial President Poonam Thakur, and several other notable representatives. The association concluded the meeting with a resolution to engage in constructive dialogue with government officials and present a detailed memorandum of demands to ensure the effective implementation of its initiatives in 2025.
