PAMPORE: The Jammu Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) held a significant review meeting for its portfolio holders in Saffron town Pampore on Wednesday. The meeting, led by Mohammad Ameen Khan, Chairman of JKTF and National Vice President of the All India State Teachers Federation (AISTF), saw the attendance of all JKTF District heads from the Valley. Various critical issues concerning the organization and the teaching fraternity were discussed during the meeting.
A spokesperson for JKTF told Kashmir Reader that a reshuffle was made within the organization. Famous trade union leader Mohammad Afzal Bhat has been given charge as patron of JKTF. Saleem Neyazi was appointed as Press and Publicity Secretary and was advised to issue the press briefings of the JKTF central body henceforth.
Tahir Ahmad Sofi was inducted into the Executive Council. The issues of teachers were discussed in detail, and Chairman Mohammad Ameen Khan said that all these issues would be brought to the notice of higher authorities. Provincial President JKTF Hameed Ullah Trumboo was advised to arrange monthly meetings with the Director of School Education. All District Presidents will route their issues through the Provincial President. District President Pulwama Irfan Nazir and Zonal President Pampore Bilal Ahmad hosted the meeting.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Chairman JKTF Mohammad Ameen Khan said that a review meeting for Pulwama was held, during which all issues facing teachers were discussed.
“The child is our primary concern, and we aim to impart the best education,” he emphasized. Khan highlighted the need for rationalization of human resources and equitable distribution across all schools.
Khan pointed out several challenges faced by teachers, including the promotion process from teachers to masters and from masters to headmasters, and the confirmation of these promotions. He also addressed the persistent issue of unavailable textbooks, which hampers the educational process. Khan urged that while teachers are held accountable, their genuine demands should be prioritized.
He appealed to the Principal Secretary of Education to address these pressing issues. Additionally, Khan mentioned that the organization’s constitution had undergone modifications and was presented for review before the members.
He also stressed the need to upgrade eligible teachers from Grade 3 to Grade 2 to prevent financial loss and alleviate mental stress. Furthermore, Khan advocated for an inter-zonal transfer policy for RET teachers to improve the quality of education and boost student enrollment.