By: Bilal Ahmad Parray
The education system in Jammu and Kashmir is currently facing a significant imbalance in the posting and workload of teachers, particularly between those working in Government Higher Secondary Schools and those posted in Government Middle and Primary Schools. This disparity has created a sense of injustice among competent teachers who have been working tirelessly at the middle school level for the past 10–12 years without any opportunity for transfer or promotion to Higher Secondary or High Schools.
Workload disparity between middle schools and higher secondary schools: Teachers posted in Middle Schools are required to teach at least 6–7 classes per day, often handling multiple subjects and managing a heavy workload. In contrast, Teachers and Masters posted in Higher Secondary Schools are delivering only 1–2 classes per day. This stark difference in workload is unfair and demotivating for Teachers in Middle Schools who are putting in more effort without being given the opportunity to work in higher-level institutions.
The School Education Department of J&K needs to address this issue by introducing a balanced transfer policy. Teachers with postgraduate qualifications, who have been serving in Middle Schools for over a decade, deserve a chance to work in High Schools and Higher Secondary Schools. However, what has been observed is that whenever transfers take place, Higher Secondary Teachers are simply moved from one Higher Secondary School to another, while Middle School Teachers are rarely considered for such postings. This system is unjust and must be corrected.
Unfair Advantage in Office Postings: Another issue contributing to this imbalance is the prolonged posting of certain teachers in ZEO (Zonal Education Office) and CEO (Chief Education Office) offices under different schemes, such as the Cultural Wing or as Nodal Officers. Some teachers have been enjoying these office-based assignments for the last 6–7 years without rotation. This has created a situation where a handful of teachers have essentially monopolized these privileged positions, denying other qualified teachers the opportunity to contribute in these roles. This problem is especially prevalent in District Kupwara, where the same teachers have held these assignments for years.
It is essential that the department implements a fair rotation policy, ensuring that teachers working in office-based roles are sent back to schools and other capable teachers are given a chance to serve in these positions. Change is the law of nature, and the system must reflect this principle by allowing fair and transparent transfer and promotion opportunities for all teachers.
A Personal Perspective: I was appointed to the department in 2015 and have been continuously working in middle schools since then. Despite my dedication and qualifications, I have never been given the opportunity to work in a High School or Higher Secondary School. This is not just my story — many competent teachers in J&K are facing the same challenge. The heavy workload in Middle Schools, combined with the lack of career advancement, is causing frustration and dissatisfaction among hardworking teachers.
Need for a Paradigm Shift
The School Education Department of J&K needs to collect data on teachers who have been continuously posted in Higher Secondary and High Schools and consider transferring them to Middle or Primary schools. This will create a balanced work environment and ensure that experienced Middle School teachers are given opportunities to teach at Higher Levels. Similarly, teachers who have held office-based roles for extended periods should be rotated to schools, giving others a fair chance to serve in such capacities.
The current system has allowed a select group of teachers to benefit from comfortable postings while overburdening others. It is high time for the School Education Department to introduce a balanced transfer and promotion policy to ensure that all teachers have equal opportunities and a fair distribution of workload. Only then can the education system in J&K function effectively and fairly for both teachers and students.
