The state of education in Jammu Division is in a dire strait as more than 400 posts of Headmasters and Principals are lying vacant in Government high schools and higher secondary schools, pointing to the systemic apathy plaguing the School Education Department. This administrative failure, coupled with the diversion of teachers to non-teaching assignments during the peak academic session, has left schools headless and students neglected. The consequences of this negligence are far-reaching, as it not only disrupts the academic progress of thousands of students but also undermines the very foundation of the education system in the region.
Headmasters and Principals are not just administrative figures; they are the backbone of any educational institution. They ensure discipline, oversee academic progress, and guide teachers and students. When schools are left without these key figures, the entire system falters. Teachers lack direction, students lack mentorship, and the overall academic environment deteriorates. The fact that 385 high schools and 40 higher secondary schools in the Jammu division are headless is a shocking indictment of the Government’s priorities.
The situation is further exacerbated by the diversion of teachers to non-teaching assignments. During the peak academic session, when students were preparing for their annual examinations, hundreds of teachers in the Jammu district were engaged as investigators for a Baseline Survey under Project YUVA. This decision, taken without consulting the Chief Education Officers, has left schools understaffed and students deprived of the guidance they desperately need. In many cases, schools are already functioning with a single teacher, and the diversion of even one teacher can bring the entire academic process to a halt.
The crisis is not limited to the absence of Headmasters and Principals. With 62 out of 97 ZEO posts vacant, the administrative machinery responsible for the smooth running of schools has effectively broken down. These officers play a crucial role in overseeing the functioning of schools within their zones, addressing grievances, and ensuring that academic standards are maintained. This has led to a backlog of official matters, leaving schools and teachers in a state of limbo.
The irony of the situation is that the seniority lists of eligible candidates for promotion to these posts have been prepared, and vigilance clearances have been obtained. Yet, for reasons best known to the higher authorities, the promotion lists have not been released. The ultimate victims of this administrative failure are the students. The absence of leadership and the diversion of teachers during the critical pre-examination period have left students ill-prepared for their annual examinations. This, in turn, will have a cascading effect on their academic future, as poor results in Class 10th and 12th examinations can limit their opportunities for higher education and employment.
This is not an isolated incident of teachers being assigned additional responsibilities. Teachers are frequently deployed for election duties, and Government schools are often converted into polling booths, forcing classes to be suspended for several days due to security concerns. The teachers are thus caught in a vicious cycle. Despite their best efforts, they are often held accountable for the poor performance of students, even when the root cause lies in systemic failures. Increments are stopped, and punitive actions are taken, further demoralising an already overburdened teaching workforce.
The crisis in Jammu’s education system demands immediate and decisive action. The Government must prioritise the filling of vacant posts of Headmasters, Principals, and ZEOs, ensuring that the process is transparent and merit-based. Additionally, the practice of diverting teachers to non-teaching assignments during the academic session must be stopped. Teachers are the cornerstone of the education system, and their primary responsibility should be to teach and mentor students. The Government must also take a long-term view of the situation. The education system in Jammu needs a comprehensive overhaul, focusing on improving infrastructure, providing adequate resources, and ensuring that schools are staffed with qualified and motivated teachers.
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