JKTF expresses concern over DDO powers, salary delays, transfer policy
Srinagar, Jan 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) on Sunday expressed its concern over the issue concerning teachers’ welfare and administrative functioning and urged the government to take immediate corrective steps.
In a statement issued here, JKTF welcomed the decision of the Ladakh administration to scrap the non-transferable clause in regularisation of teacher Grade II and III. Provincial President JKTF Javed Ahmad Bhat said a similar action by J&K School Education Department (SED) would bring long-awaited relief to Grade II and Grade III teachers, who have been demanding a clear transfer policy for years.
JKTF also highlighted serious concerns over the delegation of Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) powers. Bhat said that in the absence of clear authority the officers including ZEOs, and Chief Education Officers and Higher Secondary Principals have not been given DDO powers, causing delay in release of salary of teachers.
"The department must grant DDO powers to the concerned officers to provide relief to the employees," he said.
Another major issue flagged by JKTF was the non-release of the salary budget for teachers in the Jammu division. "Teachers in the Jammu division are still waiting for their salaries as the budget has not been released because the department has not given DDO powers to the concerned officers," JKTF provincial president said. "Due to this delay, many teachers who have taken bank loans are facing additional interest burdens," he said.
JKTF appealed to the government to immediately approve DDO powers for the Jammu division and release the pending salary budget so that teachers do not continue to suffer financially. JKTF also urged the authorities to appoint a full-time chairman to ensure timely declaration of students’ results and smooth functioning of the education system. "All the issues need urgent attention so that administrative bottlenecks are removed and the overall functioning of educational institutions improves," Javed Bhat said.
