JKTF Kupwara Delegation Meets Deputy Commissioner, Highlights Key Education Issues

Global Kashmir Desk

Kupwara : A delegation from the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) Kupwara, led by District President Sahil Bashir, met with the District Commissioner Ayushi Sudan (IAS) to address several critical issues affecting the education sector in the district.

The delegation included members of the JKTF, such as Mohd Akbar Dar, UT Convenor; Dr. Abdullah, Advisor; Mohd Amin Wani (Denposh), District Press & Publicity Incharge; Ankur Pandita, District Media Secretary; Surinder Raina, District Executive Member; Tariq Ahmad Bhat, District Executive Member; Umar Farooq, District Executive Member; Gh Mohd Masalla, ZP Rajwar; and Ab Qayoom, ZP Tregham.

One of the primary concerns raised by the delegation was the long delay in the clearance of General Provident Fund (GPF) bills for teachers and education department employees. The delegation urged the District Commissioner to expedite the process, as the delay has caused significant financial hardship for many staff members.

Sahil Bashir also highlighted the need for a dedicated Teachers’ Hall, or Ustad Bhawan, in Kupwara. Given the district’s challenging geography, with remote areas such as Karnah, Keran, and Machil, the forum believes such a facility would provide a central hub for teachers’ professional development, meetings, and other activities, thereby improving the overall educational framework in the district.

Another pressing issue discussed was the shortage of teachers in primary and middle schools across Kupwara. The delegation expressed concern over the rationalization and deployment orders, particularly those affecting teachers in higher secondary schools. They requested that these orders be cancelled and that focus be placed on strengthening teacher-student ratios in primary and middle schools, where shortages are most critical. They also suggested utilizing the services of CRCs (Cluster Resource Coordinators) for subject-specific teaching in higher secondary schools to bridge the gap.

In addition to addressing these issues, the delegation took the opportunity to felicitate Tahira Akhtar on her recent promotion to Section Officer at the CEO Office in Kupwara. They expressed their hope that her elevation would lead to positive changes and welfare initiatives for both teaching and non-teaching staff within the education department.