As highly qualified youth face joblessness and contractual teachers endure systemic injustice, urgent action is needed to revitalise the educational framework and ensure a brighter future for the region.
Jammu and Kashmir, a region often discussed in terms of its political volatility and geographical beauty, is facing a crisis of a different kind—unemployment and educational exploitation. While education has been seen as a tool for progress and upliftment, the increasing number of highly qualified unemployed youth, along with the systemic exploitation of contractual teachers, paints a grim picture of the state’s employment and educational landscape. This situation not only affects the teachers but also significantly deteriorates the quality of education, ultimately impacting the students and the future of the region.
The rising number of highly qualified unemployed youth
In Jammu and Kashmir, the issue of unemployment has taken on a particularly distressing dimension in recent years. The state is witnessing a surge in the number of highly qualified yet unemployed youth. According to various reports, PhD holders, NET-qualified scholars, and other highly educated individuals are unable to secure stable and respectable employment, despite their qualifications. This paradox of high education levels and increasing unemployment can be attributed to several factors, including a shrinking job market, delayed government appointments, and a lack of infrastructure to absorb these qualified individuals into relevant sectors.
The unemployment crisis is not just about numbers; it speaks to the larger disillusionment among the youth, who are left with little option but to either leave the region in search of better prospects or take up contractual jobs that offer no job security and low remuneration. This growing pool of unemployed educated youth is a ticking time bomb that needs immediate attention.
The exploitation of contractual teachers
One of the most glaring issues within the education system of Jammu and Kashmir is the exploitation of contractual teachers, particularly those who hold PhD degrees and are NET-qualified. Despite being eligible for permanent positions, these individuals are forced to take up temporary teaching assignments with meagre salaries, often much lower than their counterparts in other states of India who have lesser qualifications and lighter workloads. The, highly qualified teachers in Jammu and Kashmir are paid as little as Rs 28,000 per month, a sum that is insufficient to sustain a decent living. In contrast, the counterparts in the rest of the country are paid between 50,000 to 60,000 rupees per month. The selection is done for a period of only 8 months based on the qualifications as per UGC regulations but paid as per the discretion of babus.
The disparity between the workload and the compensation is striking. Contractual teachers in Jammu and Kashmir often handle a greater number of classes and students compared to permanent teachers in other parts of the country. Despite their significant contribution to the education system, they are treated as dispensable resources, without job security, benefits, or proper recognition of their efforts. This exploitative system not only demoralizes the teachers but also affects the quality of education that students receive. The nomenclature of the teachers is also an insult to these highly educated youth as the ‘Need-Based’, Academic Arrangement without paying them in Winter and Summer Vacations a
No job security for overaged, experienced contractual teachers
The issue of job insecurity is further exacerbated for those contractual teachers who are overaged. These teachers, despite their years of experience and dedication, find themselves in a precarious position where they can be replaced or dismissed at any time. The absence of a comprehensive job security policy for overaged contractual teachers leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, while also depriving students of experienced educators who could significantly contribute to their learning.
In many cases, these teachers have dedicated decades to the education system, only to find themselves sidelined due to their age or the temporary nature of their contracts. The lack of a clear policy for regularizing their positions or offering them permanent roles is a major flaw in the current system.
Decreasing roll of students in colleges: reasons and consequences
The decreasing role of students in colleges is a direct consequence of the instability in the teaching workforce. The late appointment of contractual teachers each academic year leaves students with large gaps in their learning schedules. By the time teachers are appointed, a significant portion of the academic year has already been lost, leading to rushed syllabi, incomplete courses, and a lack of engagement with students. This, in turn, lowers the standard of education and diminishes students’ active participation in their own learning.
Moreover, the delayed appointments and instability among the teaching staff cause frustration among students, who feel that their time is being wasted. The lack of proper guidance and mentorship further discourages students from engaging meaningfully in academic activities. The declining standard of education is not just a problem for students; it is a problem for the region’s future workforce, as these students will eventually enter the job market.
The way forward
To address these issues, there needs to be a comprehensive overhaul of the employment and education system in Jammu and Kashmir. Firstly, the government must ensure timely recruitment of permanent teachers to avoid the delays that currently plague the academic calendar. The regularization of contractual teachers, especially those who are PhD holders and NET-qualified, should be prioritised, and their salaries should be brought in line with national standards.
Secondly, a job security policy for overaged and experienced contractual teachers needs to be implemented. Their experience is invaluable, and they should not be discarded simply due to the temporary nature of their contracts.
Finally, the newly elected Chief Minister and Education Minister have a crucial role to play in addressing these issues. They must work towards creating a more stable and secure employment system for teachers and provide a platform where students can receive a high standard of education without disruptions. This includes investing in educational infrastructure, creating more job opportunities for the educated youth, and ensuring that the region’s education system is aligned with national standards.
In a nutshell, the rising unemployment, exploitation of teachers, and deteriorating educational standards in Jammu and Kashmir require urgent action. With the right policies and a focus on fairness and equity, the region can move towards a more secure and prosperous future for both its teachers and students. The expectations from the newly elected leadership are high, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir are hopeful for meaningful reforms that will uplift the education sector and provide stability to its qualified youth.
The writer is a ‘Need-Based’ lecturer
By Dr A. Adil
aa**********@***il.com