Dr. Tauseef Shaban
In the serene valleys and mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, education has always been considered a ladder to a better future. However, for many working under the “academic arrangement” system, that ladder seems to be resting on shaky ground. Despite their commitment, qualifications, and hard work, these professionals continue to struggle to make ends meet—pushed to the edge by low salaries, delayed payments, and uncertain futures.
Academic arrangement employees, especially those in the education sector, are hired on temporary contracts to meet staff shortages in Government Degree Colleges. While the system aims to bridge gaps in manpower, it creates a different kind of crisis—one of economic insecurity and emotional distress.
One of the most distressing aspects of this system is the long and painful verification process. For months—often three to four—these employees work without pay, waiting for formal clearance before they begin receiving even the meager salaries promised. In the meantime, they are expected to report to work daily, manage their own transport, and fulfill all duties like permanent staff members, while their families wait anxiously at home for basic needs to be met.
The salaries offered to academic arrangement staff are shockingly low compared to what is offered in institutions outside the Union Territory. In some cases, these salaries are insufficient to cover rent or buy monthly groceries. The question then arises: How does one support a family on such an income?
The answer, unfortunately, is heartbreaking. Many have had to resort to odd jobs outside their profession just to survive. There are stories—both tragic and inspiring—of educators taking to the streets to sell dry fruits, vegetables, or even used books to keep their families fed. Dr. Manzoor and Dr. Maqsood, for instance, were once respected faculty members at government degree colleges. Now, they can be found sitting by the roadside with a cart, trying to sell dry fruits in the bitter cold or scorching heat. This is not just a story of poverty; it’s a story of lost dignity, broken dreams, and systemic neglect. It reflects a deeper structural issue within the education system where those who are the backbone of learning are treated as dispensable.
Furthermore, the absence of social security, health insurance, paid leave, or even the assurance of employment for the next academic session creates an atmosphere of anxiety and helplessness. This situation is not only demoralizing but also dissuades young professionals from pursuing teaching as a viable career.
The psychological toll is immense. Many educators suffer from mental health issues due to the constant stress of financial insecurity. The passion for teaching and shaping young minds is slowly being eroded under the weight of unpaid bills and unanswered questions about the future.
Despite their essential roles—particularly during educational shortages—academic arrangement workers remain invisible to the system. They receive no job security, no benefits, and no respect. Yet, they continue to serve, hoping that someday, their loyalty will be rewarded and their sacrifices acknowledged.
Their plight highlights a fundamental flaw in the governance of contractual employment in vital sectors. It calls for immediate reform—better wages, timely verification, regularization policies, and, most importantly, recognition of their contributions.
These individuals are not just workers; they are fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters—struggling silently, yet standing tall in their resilience. If we, as a society and as a government, continue to ignore their voices, we risk not only losing skilled professionals to poverty and despair but also damaging the very institutions they serve.
It is high time to recognize that education is not just about buildings and syllabi; it is about people—dedicated educators who give their best under the worst of circumstances. Let us not allow their passion to perish in silence. Let us hear them, support them, and restore dignity to their noble profession. Change must come—not through hollow promises—but through real, sustainable, and humane action.
Author Can be reached at : [email protected]
