As the meteorological department predicts a harsh winter in Kashmir this season, the chill resonates far beyond the physical environment, hitting hardest the lives of contractual assistant professors in universities and those working on academic arrangements in colleges. These educators, the backbone of the region’s higher education system, face a bleak season not only because of the cold weather but due to the systemic neglect that leaves them financially crippled and socially marginalized during the winter break.
Unlike their permanent counterparts, contractual professors are abruptly cut off from their salaries when institutions close for the winter vacation. For many, this period stretches over two months, leaving them with no income to meet daily expenses or plan for the future. These individuals are not merely professionals; they are parents, spouses, and caregivers responsible for their families. With children’s school fees, medical emergencies, utility bills, and household expenses piling up, the loss of income during this time becomes an insurmountable burden. This situation forces many into a cycle of debt, where they borrow from friends, relatives, or even moneylenders to survive the winter. The strain of repaying these loans, often at high interest, follows them well into the next academic year, perpetuating a state of financial instability. For those supporting ageing parents or dependents with chronic illnesses, the winter break becomes a nightmare, filled with uncertainty and humiliation.
The suffering doesn’t end there. The lack of job security and the temporary nature of their positions place these educators in a precarious social position. In a society where professional stability is equated with respect and competence, the plight of contractual professors often invites judgment rather than sympathy. Many endure whispered criticisms from relatives and acquaintances, questioning their inability to secure a “real job.” This not only damages their social reputation but also takes a severe toll on their mental health and self-esteem. Adding to their woes is the lack of recognition for their service during the winter break. These months are not counted as part of their work experience, creating professional gaps that hinder their career progression. This oversight is particularly cruel in academia, where experience plays a pivotal role in promotions, eligibility for permanent positions, and other opportunities.
The government and academic institutions cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this injustice. Contractual professors are an essential part of the education system, shouldering significant responsibilities despite the uncertainty of their tenure. Without their contributions, the system would struggle to meet the demands of increasing student populations and rising academic standards. First and foremost, salaries during the winter vacation should be treated as a basic right. These educators are employed every year, and the break should not be used as an excuse to deny them their livelihood. Additionally, the vacation period must be officially included in their service record to ensure that they do not lose valuable experience.
The issue also calls for a larger discussion on policy reforms to improve the working conditions of contractual faculty. The government must revisit its approach to hiring and retaining academic talent, ensuring that temporary positions are not used as a cost-cutting mechanism at the expense of human dignity and quality education. Long-term solutions could include better pay scales, and providing job security to those who have served for extended periods. Beyond financial and professional concerns, this is a matter of respect and equity. How can a society claim to value education when it disregards the welfare of its educators? The message sent to students is one of hypocrisy—while they are encouraged to strive for excellence, their role models are treated as expendable.
It is time for the government, universities, and colleges to act with urgency and compassion. Addressing the plight of contractual assistant professors is not merely an administrative task; it is a moral obligation. Let this winter mark a turning point where warmth, justice, and fairness are extended to those who have long endured the cold indifference of the system. This initiative is a plea for change, for policies that reflect the true value of educators and their indispensable role in shaping society. If left unaddressed, this issue will continue to undermine not only the lives of these professors but the very foundation of our education system. This winter must not be another chapter in their story of hardship. The current government, which has committed itself to bringing reform and equity to all sectors, must take this opportunity to rectify the long-standing issues faced by contractual faculty.
The writer is an Assistant Professor (Contractual), Department of Business Administration, School of Business Studies, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora
By Dr Syed Irfan Shafi
dr**************@***il.com