Jr Sheikh Tariq
Poonch: The Jammu Kashmir Teachers Joint Action Committee (JKTJAC), led by General Secretary Najam Jafri, has made a formal appeal to the Honorable Education Minister, Sakeena Itoo, along with key officials in the School Education Department, urging them to reconsider the current school timings in the Winter Zone areas of Jammu Division. The committee proposes a shift in school hours to 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, aligning with similar adjustments already implemented in the Kashmir Division, a statement said.
The request comes as winter temperatures in Jammu Division mirror those in Kashmir, where schools have adapted their schedules to protect students and staff from the harsh weather conditions. Jafri highlighted the challenges faced by students, particularly younger ones, who must navigate freezing temperatures during their commutes. He emphasized that adjusting school hours would alleviate significant hardships and create a more conducive learning environment during the winter months.
In addition to the pressing issue of school timings, Jafri raised concerns regarding the prolonged delay in releasing the Master Grade list for eligible teachers. Many trained graduate and postgraduate educators are left in uncertainty as they await promotions that have been stalled at the Directorate for an extended period. This delay not only hampers the career progression of qualified educators but also affects the staffing of schools, preventing institutions from benefiting from the expertise of well-trained professionals.
The JKTJAC has called for immediate action from the concerned authorities to address these critical matters. By adjusting school timings, the comfort and well-being of both students and teachers in the Jammu Winter Zone would be significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the timely release of the Master Grade list would recognize the hard work and dedication of educators, ensuring that they can take on roles that reflect their qualifications and experience.
As the education community awaits a response, the JKTJAC remains hopeful that these issues will be addressed promptly, fostering a more supportive and effective educational environment across the Jammu Division. The committee believes that these changes will not only benefit students and teachers but also contribute positively to the broader community.
