Government mulls allowances for teachers posted in hard zones

Srinagar, Oct 22: The Jammu and Kashmir government is considering providing allowances to teachers posted in very hard zones across the Union Territory, education minister Sakina Itoo said on Tuesday. The proposed policy aims to motivate teachers to serve in challenging and remote areas.

In an exclusive conversation with Greater Kashmir after the Chief Minister’s review meeting in Baramulla, Itoo said the government will frame a proposal and present it to the Cabinet for approval.

“The fact is that incentives or allowances must be given to those posted in hard zone areas instead of teachers posted in city schools. Teachers in city schools have every facility available,” she said.

She emphasised that the policy would encourage teachers to serve in hard zones, noting that many avoid postings in such areas. “We will also ensure that those posted in hard and very hard zones are called back after two or three years. Since I assumed charge, I came across several cases of teachers who have been posted in very hard zones for the last eight to ten years,” she said.

Hinting at the previous administration’s neglect, Itoo said the grievances of teachers posted in very hard zones had not been addressed adequately. “Since I assumed charge, several teachers were called back from very hard zones. But there are still some left-out teachers who have been posted in very hard zones for many years. Their grievances will be addressed as well,” she said.

Earlier in June, the minister had stated that teachers serving in towns and city schools would be shifted to remote areas as part of the rationalisation of teacher postings in government schools.

“Teachers in city schools for more than a decade will be shifted to remote areas. Those who have not yet served in remote zones will be required to spend at least a few years there. They should also have experience teaching students in these areas,” she said.

Itoo acknowledged the prolonged stay of some teachers in remote areas and assured that their concerns would be addressed. “It is a genuine issue. Some teachers have health problems, while others sought transfers on marriage grounds, but there was no one to address their grievances. We are trying to resolve these issues,” she said.