RAMBAN: The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Association (JKTA) on Monday organised a one-day Educational Conference in Ramban, bringing together educators from across the Jammu region to deliberate on key issues concerning teachers’ welfare, professional development, and educational reform.
Presiding over the conference, Bhupinder Singh, UT President of JKTA and a staunch advocate for teachers’ rights, reiterated the association’s commitment to empowering educators and ensuring fair administrative policies.
During the conference, JKTA called for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), exemption and review of the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET), implementation of Annual Transfer Drives (ATD) for Jammu and Udhampur districts, and timely Departmental Promotions (DPCs) from Teachers to Masters. The association also demanded the resumption of mutual transfers of Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers (RRETs) — currently under abeyance — and the introduction of a transparent transfer policy to ensure fairness and accountability.
Beyond administrative concerns, the association highlighted its five-point educational agenda aimed at holistic development and educational excellence:
- Character Building – Promoting honesty, integrity, and ethical values among students and teachers.
- Environmental Awareness – Encouraging eco-friendly practices and environmental responsibility.
- Management Education – Building leadership and organizational skills among teachers.
- Teacher Education – Focusing on continuous professional growth and modern teaching methods.
- Promotion of Indigenous Languages – Preserving and celebrating local languages such as Dogri, Kashmiri, Gojri, Bhaderwahi, Sarazi, Bhalessi, Padri, Pogali, Khashali, and Kishtwari through workshops, seminars, and curriculum inclusion.
The conference also underscored the human dimension of education, as teachers from remote and rural areas shared personal stories of challenges and triumphs. Discussions centered around inclusive education, multilingual learning environments, and safeguarding cultural heritage through language preservation.
A strong sense of unity and purpose marked the conclusion of the event, as JKTA reaffirmed its mission to empower teachers, enhance educational standards, and preserve the cultural and linguistic fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the occasion, several teachers formally joined JKTA, expressing faith in its leadership.
Farooq Ahmed Rounyal was appointed as the District President for Ramban.
Other key speakers and coordinators included Akhter Abbas Naik, Mushtaq Malik, Ishaq Rashid Malik, Tirth Singh Bakwal, Surjeet Katoch, Bihari Lal Sharma, Hafiz ur, Farooq Runyal, Saidullah Katoch, Sadaket Malik, Sharief Ahmed, Anchal Singh, Suraj Parkash Puri, Jeevan Pahari, Jagdish Khajuria, Shabir Ahmed, Wassim ul Hassan, Rafiq Ahmed Sohil, Shakeel Sohil, Rakesh Kumar, Kuldeep Singh, and many others.
The event served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, idea exchange, and collaboration — reflecting the shared commitment of Jammu and Kashmir’s teaching community to build a more inclusive and progressive education system.
