Jammu, Feb 25: The Jammu & Kashmir Teachers Association (JKTA) has strongly condemned recent developments concerning the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), describing them as unjust, demoralizing, and detrimental to the dignity of the teaching fraternity across the Union Territory.
Addressing a press conference here, JKTA UT President Bhupinder Singh expressed serious concern over administrative decisions that undermine the qualifications, experience, and long-standing service of teachers in Jammu and Kashmir. “Teachers are nation builders. It is unfortunate that despite enhancing their qualifications and fulfilling all mandated professional development requirements, they are being subjected to treatment that questions their integrity and capability,” he said.
The Association highlighted that teachers in Jammu and Kashmir are highly qualified professionals, many holding M.Ed., B.Ed., and research degrees, along with years of rich classroom experience and continuous professional development training. Singh emphasized that educators have consistently implemented government policies and educational reforms, often in far-flung and resource-constrained areas, demonstrating resilience and dedication to students.
JKTA warned that administrative orders disregarding teachers’ academic achievements and professional growth could demoralize the workforce and adversely affect the quality of education in the UT. The Association urged authorities to immediately review the TET-related decisions and initiate transparent dialogue with stakeholders before enforcing measures affecting thousands of educators.
Reiterating its demand for respect, recognition, and fair treatment, JKTA cautioned that if grievances are not addressed promptly, it will be compelled to adopt democratic and constitutional means of protest to safeguard teachers’ rights and dignity.
The Association stressed that the welfare and morale of teachers are critical to ensuring the success of educational reforms and improving learning outcomes for students across Jammu and Kashmir.
