Abdul Basit
Srinagar, July 13 (KNS): Teachers in Jammu and Kashmir have expressed concern over “ill-conceived” and “illogical” transfer orders under the Annual Transfer Drive (ATD).
Teachers from various districts of Jammu and Kashmir have voiced their dissatisfaction with the transfer policy, stating that the policy is unacceptable and lacks any merit.
They alleged that several teachers despite their desire on the basis of medical, marriage and other grounds have been transferred to far-flung areas.
“This transfer order is totally unacceptable and inappropriate, those who have influence have got their desired places of posting while those who don’t have any influence in the department have been transferred to far off places,” said a teacher from Bandipora, wishing not be named.
Citing an example, he said that a local teacher from Gurez has been transferred to a far off place in Bandipora, while a teacher based in the town has been transferred to Tulail, a far off of place on Gurez Valley.
“Such ill-conceived and unplanned transfer orders have taken a serious toll on the teachers and speaks volumes about the working of the education department,” he said.
Similarly a teacher from Baramulla highlighted the importance of cultural and linguistic familiarity in education.
He explained, "As a teacher, I have a deep understanding of the local culture, language, and needs of my community. By transferring teachers away from their native areas, the education system risks losing this crucial element."
A teacher from Poonch district, who was participating in a protest, expressed his frustration by stating, "As I am on the brink of retirement, I now have to travel a distance of 40 kilometers daily to reach my new place of posting Moreover, teachers who have health problems, particularly female teachers, have been transferred to remote areas with challenging landscapes."
Meanwhile, senior executive member of JKGLTF, Gowhar Ahmad Bhat said that the organization supported the appointment of a suitable ATD for teachers and masters.
He said that the list was prepared with the consent of Chief Education Officers and is satisfactory. “However, some teachers and masters have health issues or other problems. JKGLTF has raised these concerns with the Principal Secretary and Director School Education Kashmir, who have assured reconsideration and suitable placements for affected teachers,” he said. (KNS)