Vocational trainers demand justice

Despite our earnest attempts to engage with the authorities, our concerns remain unaddressed. We recently reached out via email to all Vocational Training Providers (VTPs) employed by JK Samagra Shiksha, seeking resolution, but our appeals have been ignored.

The directive from the LG Office (Order No: LGS-1(GR)/24/2486, dated 30/06/24) instructed the Secretary of Education to address our issues, yet our concerns were ignored once more. This ongoing neglect compels us to protest against inequality, pay disparity, and career stagnation.

Our demands include fair compensation and job security, defined job roles with security, recognition and opportunities for professional growth, and enhanced support for mental health and well-being.

Our vocational trainers hold professional degrees such as PhD, MBA, MCA, B.Tech, and M.Tech, and have been providing skill-based training to students in classes 9th to 12th for the past nine years. We have consistently achieved an average of 95% results across 14 trades during this period.

For nine years, we have been working in challenging areas like Gurez and Ladakh without any benefits, holding onto the hope that the government would fulfill its promises for better conditions. The enrollment of students in vocational subjects has soared, with a single vocational trainer providing skill-based training to over 150 students in a single school.

Many vocational trainers have lost their lives due to illness and accidents, with their families left unsupported and without benefits. The companies involved are responsible for hiring and paying salaries to vocational trainers, yet salaries have been consistently delayed for nine years. These companies have received billions of rupees without clear accountability or defined roles, raising serious concerns about corruption and the misuse of education funds.

The Lieutenant Governor of J&K announced in Awaam Ki Awaaz that a job policy would be framed and orders were issued to concerned authorities, but nothing has happened. Additionally, a four-member committee was established by the Principal Secretary to address the issues of vocational trainers, yet no action has been taken.

Vocational trainers will take to the streets in the coming days if our demands remain unresolved.

Lone Jeelani

President

Jammu & Kashmir Vocational Trainers Welfare Association (JKVTWA)