Unsung heroes of J&K’s education system working without pay for five months
Dr Feroz Ahmad Dar
Cluster Resource Coordinators (CRCs) who work in secondary and higher secondary schools in Jammu and Kashmir have become the education system’s unsung heroes. Along with their principal role of teaching, they carefully carry out all official duties assigned to them by their local schools and the School Education Department. These educators have always fulfilled their responsibilities with dedication and professionalism, whether it is maintaining official records, assisting in administrative work, coordinating departmental programmes, conducting examinations, implementing government initiatives, or carrying out any other task assigned to them.
Despite their steadfast dedication, these coordinators have worked without pay for the past five months. The protracted delay has put their families in financial turmoil, leaving them concerned about meeting even their basic necessities. With rising school fees, medical costs, house rent, loan repayments, and daily family expenses, many people are battling to maintain their dignity while continuing to serve the educational system without complaint.
Regrettably, those who faithfully carry out every job assigned to them are left to face such uncertainty. Their dedication to their students and institutions has remained unshakable, even in the face of financial difficulties. They have never hesitated to complete any official task assigned to them, exhibiting exceptional professionalism and dedication to the department.
The delay in wage disbursement is more than just a financial issue; it is about justice, decency, and respect for educators who are an important part of Jammu and Kashmir’s school education system. No employee who continues to work diligently should be forced to go months without compensation. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the relevant authorities, must act swiftly to resolve this long-pending issue. Releasing the pending salaries without further delay would not only give relief to hundreds of impacted families but would also reinforce the administration’s commitment to those who work persistently to improve education. Educators who devote their lives to moulding young minds and carrying out every official task assigned to them deserve timely compensation, acknowledgement, and respect, not protracted uncertainty and misery.
da**********@***il.com