Ziraat Times News Desk
Jammu, Feb 25: The Jammu & Kashmir Teachers Association (JKTA) on Tuesday strongly condemned recent developments related to the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), terming them unjust, demoralising and detrimental to the dignity of teachers across the Union Territory.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, JKTA UT President Bhupinder Singh said the teaching community felt deeply hurt and humiliated by measures that, according to the association, question their competence and professional integrity.
He said teachers in Jammu and Kashmir are highly qualified professionals, with many holding M.Ed., B.Ed. and research degrees, along with years of classroom experience and continuous professional development training.
“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,” Singh said.
The association maintained that teachers have consistently implemented government policies and educational reforms with dedication, often serving in remote and resource-constrained areas. Their role during academic transitions and reforms, it said, reflects resilience and commitment to students.
JKTA expressed concern that any administrative order disregarding the academic achievements and professional growth of teachers would not only demoralise the workforce but also adversely affect the quality of education in the Union Territory.
The association urged the authorities to immediately review the decision and initiate a meaningful and transparent dialogue with stakeholders before enforcing measures that impact thousands of educators.
Reiterating its demand for respect, recognition and fair treatment, JKTA warned that if teachers’ grievances are not addressed promptly, it would be compelled to adopt democratic and constitutional means of protest to safeguard the rights and dignity of its members.
The press conference concluded with an appeal to the administration to uphold principles of justice, transparency and consultation in matters concerning the education sector.
