In 2019, a new ray of hope lit up the lives of young sports enthusiasts in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Under a unified policy, the government introduced the Rehbar-e-Khel scheme, aimed at fostering sports culture at the grassroots level. Thousands of qualified youth joined the initiative, sacrificing stable careers for a noble cause. They believed they were the torchbearers of change in rural sports development.
The policy, however, came with a heavy price. A seven-year probation period was imposed, and the honorarium fixed was heartbreakingly low. For the first two years, teachers were paid a mere Rs 3,000 per month. This amount increased to Rs 4,000 from the third year onward, barely sufficient to meet basic needs.
Years passed, and the struggles of these teachers turned into protests and pleas. In J&K, after relentless efforts, the government finally raised their monthly honorarium to Rs 6,000 in the sixth year. While it seemed like a small victory, it was a bitter realization for many when they looked toward Ladakh.
Under the same policy and reference, Rehbar-e-Khel teachers in Ladakh were receiving Rs 18,000 per month—three times the amount their counterparts in J&K were paid. The disparity was glaring, and so were the cracks in the promises of equality.
The teachers in J&K continued their fight, pointing out the loopholes in the policy:
– A gruelling seven-year probation period without benefits
– Staggered and uncertain regularization even after probation
– An honorarium that barely acknowledged their qualifications and dedication
Despite assurances, their demands for policy amendments went unheard. The dream of equality turned into a nightmare of neglect, pushing many to the brink of financial and emotional collapse.
Hope was rekindled, however, during the recent assembly elections in J&K. The people elected a local government, and Shri Satish Sharma was appointed as the Honorable Sports Minister. Delegations of Rehbar-e-Khel teachers met him, pouring out their grievances and aspirations. Each meeting ended with words of reassurance.
“We understand your plight,” Satish Sharma had said. “Rest assured, your demands will be resolved soon. The government values your contributions and will not let you down.”
Months have passed since that promise. The Rehbar-e-Khel teachers of J&K continue to wait, clinging to the hope that their voices will not fade into the bureaucratic void. They yearn for the day when they, like their counterparts in Ladakh, will receive the respect and remuneration they deserve.
But until then, they remain trapped in a web of disparity and delayed justice, wondering if promises were made only to be forgotten.
Syed Aijaz
sy**************@***il.com