Urges Education to address staff shortage, highlights plight of teachers disengaged after 16 years of service
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: In a bid to address the acute shortage of teaching staff in Government Higher Secondary Schools across District Doda, MLA Mehraj Malik has written to Education Minister Sakina Ittoo, proposing the allocation of ₹1 crore annually from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to re-engage 10+2 contractual lecturers who were disengaged in 2019.
In his letter, Malik highlighted the severe impact of the faculty shortage on students, many of whom are compelled to seek education in other cities. He emphasized the plight of the disengaged lecturers, some of whom had served for 16 years since their initial engagement in 2003. “They have dedicated their crucial years to this cause and now have limited options left given their experience and service,” the letter stated.
The MLA urged the Education Minister to take immediate action, directing concerned authorities to facilitate the re-engagement of these lecturers. “The future of our students depends on timely intervention,” he added.
This appeal comes just a month after the Jammu and Kashmir government issued fresh guidelines for the CDF scheme, allowing each MLA to recommend development works worth ₹3 crore annually in their constituencies. The funds can be utilized for infrastructure development, public welfare projects, and essential services, with strict directives to ensure timely completion.
Malik’s proposal aligns with the broader objectives of the CDF, aiming to bridge gaps in education by addressing the critical shortage of qualified teachers in Doda’s schools. The move has sparked hope among disengaged lecturers and students alike, who await the government’s response to this pressing issue.
It is pertinent to mention that under guidelines, “Only those works should be taken up which can be completed within a span of one year. In areas of higher reaches where working season is limited, the DDC, subject to the approval of the concerned MLA, may also sanction work that can be completed within two working seasons, but not exceeding two years”.
