JKTF President reiterates demand of inclusion of 16 years service in the record of migrant substitute teachers

Srinagar, July 26 ( RNA): Back in 1989-90, the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandiths from the valley left many distasteful stories. Pandiths who worked in various Government Departments left the valley owing to which Government had to face an unprecedented situation vis-à-vis the functioning of such departments. Among many sectors which got affected due to the mass migration of Pandiths from the valley, was School Education sector. Education became a direct causality as many Kashmiri Pandiths worked as teachers in Government run schools. Their large scale migration threw up a new challenge before the government. The vacancies created by the mass migration of teachers had to be fulfilled and things had to be brought back to normal as far as school education is concerned. Facing an unprecedented situation, the Government engaged meritorious youth against these vacancies. These youth worked hard to strengthen the basic educational setup in the valley. These teachers who were christened “Migrant Substitute Teachers” worked in testing times in the strife torn valley. Acknowledging the hard work that these teachers put in while serving the department, the Government vide order no 610 GAD of 2006 Date 16/05/2006 regularized their services prospectively. Whereas, Government fulfilled a long pending demand of these teachers but at the same time did not reckon the 16 years of their service (upto 2006) in their record. Sixteen years is indeed a long duration of time and it is evident that such a move marred their progression in the department. Needless to mention here that the benefits accruing outta various promotions and several service entitlements got culled. Jammu Kashmir Teachers’ Forum has always projected the demand of these teachers before the authorities. The Forum through various representation made to the Government has highlighted the issue. The President, Mr Mohammad Akbar Khan has once again reiterated the demand of the inclusion of the 16 year service rendered by migrant substitute teachers in their service record. He said that these teachers were appointed on the basis of merit and non-reckoning of 16 year service period is halting their progress in the department. He said that Government should take a final call in this issue. Mr Khan urged upon the honorable Lieutenant Governor and principal secretary Education Dr. Asgar Hussein Samòon to acknowledge the unflinching service rendered by these teachers in turbulent times and give a formal nod to the inclusion of their 16 year service in their record.