Srinagar, Feb 21: The Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) and Jammu and Kashmir Pensioners United Front (JKPUF) Abdul Qayoom Wani, has expressed grave concern over the alarming shortage of staff in the Education and Health sectors across Jammu and Kashmir in particular and in all departments in genral.
More than twenty thousand posts have remained vacant only in these vital departments for several years while other departments are witnessing similar position, he said in a statement issued to INS.
Wani said the situation continues to worsen with ongoing retirements, further burdening already overstretched institutions.
“This administrative inaction has severely affected the functioning of government hospitals and schools particularly depriving citizens of their fundamental rights to quality healthcare and education.”
Wani stated that low-income families are the worst sufferers. Their patients and children, who are entirely dependent on government hospitals and government schools, face immense hardship due to staff shortages, delayed services, overcrowded classrooms, and declining institutional efficiency.
He emphasized that instead of addressing these pressing issues, many public representatives appear more focused on publicity and photo opportunities rather than resolving the real concerns of the people of their areas.
JKCSF and JKPUF strongly urged the Government to fill these vacancies on a war footing. “As an immediate interim measure, the government should adopt a transparent contractual recruitment mechanism until permanent appointments are made through proper procedures.”
Wani reiterated that strengthening the Education and Health sectors is not merely an administrative necessity but a moral and constitutional responsibility. Failure to act promptly will further widen inequality and erode public trust in governance.
JKCSF and JKPUF reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding public welfare and demand urgent, time-bound action from the authorities in the larger interest of society.
