The representatives of Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) Sunday called for equal focus on the interests and future of students across the education system saying there was no divide between children studying in government and private schools as both have the same aspirations, values and educational goals.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a Teachers Conference at Dak Bungalow Baramulla, a senior representative of the JKTF said teachers in both government and private schools ultimately share the same responsibility of shaping the younger generation.
“All the teachers, whether they belong to private or government schools, have the same values. Our children belong to government schools as well as private schools. They all have the same mission and the same goal,” he said.
The statement comes amid continuing discussions over issues concerning private schools, including fee hikes.
The Forum representatives said the government should intervene wherever an increase in fees was found to be unreasonable or unjustified.
“If there has been a fee hike, the government should look into it. If there has been an irresponsible or irrelevant hike, the government should look into it,” the representative said.
The JKTF representative said the Baramulla conference was organised not merely as a Teachers’ Day event but also as a platform to discuss issues confronting the education sector and recognise teachers for their contribution.
Teachers representing all 18 educational zones of Baramulla district were part of the programme, while clerical and CPW staff associated with the department were also felicitated for their services.
The Forum said a committee had been constituted under its leadership to identify teachers deserving appreciation through surveys conducted across different zones.
The representative said the organisation would continue to take up issues concerning teachers with the government and press for their resolution.
Among the major concerns raised during the conference was the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), which he described as a “burning issue” for teachers.
The Forum also demanded that the large number of vacancies in the Education Department be filled as early as possible.
“There are around 30,000 vacancies in the Education Department. They should be filled,” he said.
The Forum also flagged the in-charge system, saying that teachers were being entrusted with responsibilities without receiving corresponding promotions in official records.
Transfer-related issues concerning regularised Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers were also highlighted during the conference.
The representative said many such teachers had already completed 20 to 25 years of service and that their concerns needed to be addressed.
He further pointed to difficulties faced by teachers in correcting official records and dealing with admission-related issues, saying that teachers often have to approach the department for changes in records maintained on government portals.
Beyond service-related demands, the Forum said its conference also sought to strengthen the role of teachers in shaping students beyond academics.
The representative said teachers were being sensitised so that they could, in turn, guide students towards development, patriotism, nationalism and other positive values.
“Today’s children should be given the right direction and shown the right path,” he said.
He stressed that teachers have a crucial role in ensuring that students are guided towards positivity.
He said the JKTF would continue organising such programmes while ensuring that academic time of students was not affected.
The Forum also called for a positive approach within the education system, saying teachers should focus on identifying students who need additional attention and work towards ensuring that no child is left behind.
