Vocational trainers rue delay in monthly salary, lack of job security

Srinagar, Oct 5: There seems to be no end to the miseries of the vocational trainers hired by the J&K School Education Department (SED) through third party companies for imparting vocational education to the students in Government schools.

A group of distressed vocational trainers complained to Greater Kashmir that despite playing crucial role and contributing significantly to the education system, they are subjected to deplorable working conditions which they said were unfair and unsustainable.

"The vocational teachers perform the same duties and responsibilities as their counterparts who are hired directly by the government. We spend equal time in classrooms and the students the same subjects, and fulfill the same academic and administrative obligations," a group of distressed vocational teachers said.

The trainers said they are however paid significantly lower wages which was a "blatant disparity" in pay and violates the principle of "equal pay for equal work", leaving the teachers feeling undervalued and demoralised.

"We do not have any job security and are hired on a temporary basis. This uncertainty about our future employment adds immense stress and makes it difficult for us to plan our lives or even provide for our families with confidence," the vocational trainers said.

The vocational trainers complained that they were deprived of a stable career despite playing a crucial role in educating the students.

"One of the major concern and distressing aspects of our employment is the delayed payment of salaries. In many cases, vocational teachers have to wait for months without receiving their salary," they said.

The teachers said the delay in release of salary not only put them in financial hardship but also disrupts their daily life. "We struggle to meet basic expenses such as rent, healthcare, and education for our own children," the teachers said.

The vocational trainers demanded equal pay for equal work saying that their salary must be enhanced and be given salary as per their work.

"A comprehensive job policy should be introduced that offers permanent or at least long-term contracts for us and ensures security in our profession," the vocational trainers said.

The Project Director Samagra Shiksha J&K, Rakesh Magotra when contacted said that the recruitment process for vocational trainers was same across India barring two states.

"The process is same everywhere and the companies authorised to hire the trainers are empanelled by NCDC," he told Greater Kashmir.

He however said that they have received the grievances from the vocational trainers and the same has been forwarded to the Government of India.