Bandipora: The J&K Teachers Forum (JKTF) Bandipora convened an executive meeting for the zone Hajin under the leadership of Mir Bashir Ahmad, Spokesperson for JK EJAC/JKTF and District President Bandipora.
The meeting addressed several pressing issues, including the urgent need for the payment of Mid-Day Meal (MDM) bills and the appointment of sweepers up to the middle school level.Mir Bashir Ahmad highlighted the importance of the teaching community standing united against social evils and educating students and society about the health hazards associated with smoking.
He also expressed gratitude towards District Development Commissioner Bandipora, Mr. Shakeel Ul Rehman (IAS), and Chief Education Officer Bandipora, Dr. G.M. Puju, for providing adequate facilities to polling staff during the recent parliamentary elections.During the meeting, significant appointments were made: Mr. Sajad Ahmad, Teacher at MS Sadhunara, was nominated as the General Secretary of J&K EJAC Bandipora, and Mr. Mohammad Asif, Teacher from Ajas, was appointed as the General Secretary of JKTF Bandipora, effective immediately.In a media interaction, the newly appointed leaders emphasized their commitment to resolving teachers’ genuine issues and prioritizing student welfare.
Addressing sectoral leaders of Zone Hajin, Mir Bashir Ahmad reaffirmed that the J&K Teachers Forum, led by Chairman Mohammad Amin Khan, who is also the National Vice President of AISTF, and Vice Chairman Showkat Ali Beigh, is dedicated to advocating for the rights, honor, and dignity of the teaching community.He stated that under the democratically elected leadership of President J&K EJAC Wajahat Hussain Durrani,Gen Sectt Sajad Parray, Unit Heads and other esteemed leaders, the EJAC has remained steadfast in its efforts to resolve critical issues affecting 4.5 lakh employees. Mir noted that the J&K EJAC is in continuous engagement with the government, and some important issues, including the enhancement of remuneration for fixed-salaried employees and the rehabilitation of some PSU employees, have been resolved.
Other crucial issues are currently under discussion with the government and are expected to be resolved soon.Mir Bashir Ahmad reiterated the Forum’s commitment to addressing critical service matters such as the promotion of teachers to masters, headmasters, and lecturers. He stressed the severity of the MDM crisis, which has placed teachers under financial strain due to unpaid bills to suppliers. Immediate action and payment release are necessary to sustain the MDM scheme.Furthermore, the Forum leadership plans to engage with higher authorities to address various issues, including the conversion of Grade 3 teachers to Grade 2, a process currently delayed by the Directorate, causing financial losses for the affected teachers.
Mir Bashir welcomed the decentralization of powers through the constitution of cluster heads by Administrative Secretary SED J&K, Dr. Piyush Singla (IAS). However, he said that these powers should be used to streamline teaching staff and judicious use of manpower in schools according to the orders of tge department.The J&K Teachers Forum stands firmly against all forms of corruption, favoritism, and nepotism that hinder national growth. The leadership calls upon all teachers to contribute to enhancing literacy in J&K, viewing it as a vital step towards making India a global superpower.
