USTA Submits Memorandum to DEPO Kathua; Highlights Urgent Educational and Teacher Welfare Concerns
Kathua, August 1, 2025: A high-level delegation of the United School Teachers Association (USTA), led by its President Sh. Pardeep Singh Jamwal, met with the DEPO Kathua to submit a comprehensive memorandum addressing several long-pending issues affecting the teaching fraternity and the overall education system in the district.
The delegation included General Secretary Roop Chand, District President Sham Lal, and senior members Hari Singh, Rakesh Sharma, Parshant Khajuria, Dharmpal, Parvez Mohd., Netar Chand, among others.
Key Demands and Issues Raised:
1. Exemption from Non-Academic Duties:
The USTA delegation strongly emphasized the need to exempt school teachers from non-academic responsibilities such as survey duties, Booth Level Officer (BLO) assignments, and census-related work. According to the association, such tasks drastically reduce the time teachers can devote to teaching and lesson planning, ultimately affecting the quality of education imparted to students.
2. Pending Cooking Cost under Mid-Day Meal Scheme:
The association expressed deep concern over the non-release of cooking cost funds under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, which have been pending for nearly a year. The lack of timely funding has caused disruptions in the smooth running of mid-day meal services in government schools. USTA urged the department to expedite the release of pending amounts to ensure uninterrupted nutritional support for students.
3. Inadequate Wages for MDM Cooks:
Highlighting the plight of MDM cooks, USTA stated that these workers, despite serving schools diligently for over two decades, are still being paid only ₹1,000 per month. The association demanded an immediate revision of their honorarium to at least ₹10,000 per month, enabling them to live with dignity.
4. Delayed Payments to Aayas and School Helpers:
The memorandum also brought attention to the irregular and delayed payments to Aayas (school helpers), many of whom belong to economically weaker or marginalized backgrounds. USTA urged the education department to streamline the payment process and ensure timely disbursement of their wages.
5. Delay in Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs):
USTA raised strong objections over the prolonged delay in holding DPCs for the promotion of Lecturers, Headmasters, and Masters. The association demanded that DPCs be conducted on a regular annual basis to facilitate timely promotions and career growth opportunities for eligible staff members.
6. Transparent Transfer Policy:
Teachers & Master working in remote and hard-to-reach areas for over 5 to 6 years have still not been transferred to their home districts. USTA pressed for the implementation of a clear and fair transfer policy that prioritizes long-serving teachers and ensures postings closer to home for those serving in difficult areas.
7. Postings of Newly Promoted Heads and ZEOs Near Retirement Age:
A unique concern raised was the posting of newly promoted Headmasters and ZEOs who are near retirement (58–59 years of age) in far-flung areas. The association requested that such officers be accommodated within a 5-kilometer radius of their residence, keeping in view their health and service limitations.
8. Filling of Vacant Posts in the Education Department:
The association also highlighted the acute shortage of teaching and administrative staff, pointing out the numerous vacant posts of Headmasters, Masters, and Teachers. USTA called upon the government to expedite recruitment through DPCs and Direct Recruitment, to ensure effective classroom teaching and administrative management.
Assurance from the Department:
The DEPO Kathua gave a sympathetic and patient hearing to the delegation and assured that the issues mentioned in the memorandum would be escalated to the higher authorities at the earliest. He appreciated the proactive role of USTA in advocating for teachers’ rights and expressed commitment to addressing genuine concerns through proper channels.
USTA’s Appeal:
USTA urged the education department and the government to act promptly and responsibly on the listed demands to create a better teaching-learning environment in schools and ensure the welfare of both educators and students.
This memorandum submission marks yet another step in USTA’s ongoing campaign to bring systemic reforms in the education sector of Jammu & Kashmir.
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