Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Contractual Teachers Association (J&K HECTA) successfully observed a pen-down strike across all Govt. Degree Colleges in the Union Territory, demanding long-pending rights, including equal pay for equal work, job security, inclusion of winter/summer salary, and timely disbursement of wages.
The strike, held in response to authorities’ continued neglect of their concerns, received widespread support from lecturers and college administrations. Following discussions with college principals, assurances were given that their memorandum of demands would be forwarded to the concerned officials for resolution in a time-bound manner.
However, J&K HECTA has warned of an indefinite strike from April 1, 2025, if their demands are not addressed. “We are fighting not just for ourselves but for the future of higher education. Quality education suffers when educators are overworked, underpaid, and treated unfairly,” a spokesperson said.
J&K HECTA has urged the government, education department, and college administrations to take immediate steps to fulfill their legitimate demands.