Srinagar, Apr 21: Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) on Tuesday raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of the education sector in Jammu and Kashmir, warning that the system is heading towards a major crisis if immediate corrective measures are not taken.
JKCSF Chairman and President of Pensioners United Front, Abdul Qayoom Wani, said that thousands of posts of teachers, lecturers, principals, headmasters and non-teaching staff remain vacant, severely affecting the functioning of educational institutions. He noted that prolonged stagnation has blocked promotional avenues, leading to frustration among employees.
Wani also highlighted the growing “in-charge syndrome,” where officials are given responsibilities without regular appointments, saying it has adversely impacted accountability, transparency and overall efficiency. “Responsibility gets diffused and performance remains largely unmonitored,” he said.
He added that teachers are often unfairly targeted despite systemic shortcomings, while students continue to bear the brunt of administrative inefficiencies, putting their academic future at risk.
The Forum further pointed out that the absence of a transparent transfer policy and the ignoring of rightful transfer benefits have led to corruption, political interference and favoritism, eroding the credibility of the system.
Expressing concern over what it termed as “cosmetic measures,” JKCSF said parents are increasingly worried about declining education standards.
The Forum urged the government to fill all vacant posts, ensure timely promotions, end the in-charge culture, implement a fair transfer policy and restore accountability to safeguard students’ future.
