Dr AR Lone
Jammu and Kashmir – November 3, 2024 — Today, members of the JK College Contractual Association had the opportunity to meet with Hon’ble Minister Dr. Sakeena Itoo, recently appointed as Minister of Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare. The Association presented a formal appeal addressing critical issues affecting contractual faculty members working in Government Degree Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegation voiced concerns over ongoing challenges related to job security, salary disparity, and the discontinuation of vacation pay. Despite their vital role in education, contractual lecturers face numerous obstacles, including:
1. Job Continuity and Security: With no structured policy in place, contractual lecturers in J&K endure uncertainty regarding their service continuation. The Association called for a policy that ensures job security, mirroring efforts in other states where similar measures have stabilized teaching environments.
2. Salary Disparity: Currently, contractual faculty in J&K receive a monthly salary of ₹28,000, unchanged since 2018. The UGC-recommended pay for similar roles is ₹57,700, a standard already adopted in Ladakh and other states. The Association urged an immediate revision in pay, aligning it with UGC guidelines to reflect rising living costs and offer fair compensation.
3. Restoration of Vacation Salaries: The Association highlighted that prior to 2019, contractual faculty received vacation pay during summer and winter breaks, recognizing their continuous work in academic preparation. The discontinuation of these payments has created financial strain, and the Association requested the reinstatement of vacation pay to ensure financial stability year-round.
Citing examples from other states, the Association highlighted positive strides made in regions like Ladakh, Delhi, Telangana, and Kerala, where contractual faculty have received fair compensation and improved job security. They urged similar actions for Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the importance of parity across India.
Dr. Sakeena Itoo acknowledged the Association’s concerns and expressed a commitment to review these pressing issues. The Association remains hopeful that under her leadership, positive changes will be made to support contractual faculty, ensuring their contributions to education in Jammu and Kashmir are recognized and valued
