Delegation calls on Education Minister, thanks her for referring +2 lecturer posts to JKPSC

Srinagar, Aug 21: A delegation called on Minister for Education,  Sakina Itoo and expressed gratitude to her for the referral of 2 lecturers posts to the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC).

A statement issued here said that during the meeting, the stagnation of lecturers at the higher secondary level was discussed in detail.

The delegation requested an early redressal of this long-pending issue and expressed appreciation to the government and the Subcommittee for already taking it up on fast-track basis.

The minister was further requested to kindly intervene at appropriate stages to expedite: Grant of Assured Career Progression (ACP) in favour of the 2 cadre; Finalization of the revision of Gazetted Service Recruitment Rules (under process since 2022), which will help in addressing quality concerns, improving efficiency and resolving seniority-related issues.

Other key requests placed before the Minister included: Grant of non-vocational status to Higher Secondary Principals; Creation of separate Directorates for Elementary and Secondary Education. Introduction of the Kashmir Educational Service (KES) to ensure that experienced and competent professionals handle policy and administrative matters in school education instead of frequent inter-departmental transfers of bureaucrats; Early filling of vacant positions of CEOs and equivalent officers to ensure smooth academic and administrative functioning. Strengthening of the Cluster System with additional interventions for better sharing of resources and improvement of academic standards; addressing the Pupil–Teacher Ratio (PTR) imbalance between rural and urban areas, by repatriating teachers from hard zones to urban areas where staffing gaps exist; Ensuring that teaching staff are not deployed on non-academic duties, except in special exigencies and only after following due authorization procedures. Introduction of new subjects across Higher Secondary Schools to broaden academic opportunities for students.

The meeting concluded with the delegation once again expressing thanks to the Hon’ble Minister for her patient hearing and kind consideration of these demands, particularly the early grant of ACP for 2 cadre employees and the speedy finalization of recruitment rules.

Later, a delegation led by Mansoor Ahmad met senior officers of the School Education Department, General Administration Department (GAD), and the Finance Department. The team apprised them of various employee-related issues.

The delegation also visited the Directorate of School Education, where it expressed sincere gratitude to the Director and the Chief Accounts Officer (CAO) for their proactive support and prompt resolution of staff issues.

The CAO was also specifically requested to personally intervene in the matter related to the issuance of duty slips in favour of erstwhile SRO-202 lecturers, to ensure their legitimate concerns are addressed at the earliest.