The Jammu and Kashmir Government has informed the Legislative Assembly that a total of 8,311 teaching positions at various levels are currently vacant across the region. Among these, 4,325 vacancies are in Jammu division, while the remaining 3,986 are in the Kashmir division.
Additionally, under the rationalization scheme, the government has merged 4,358 schools across the Union Territory due to various operational reasons. In Jammu division, 1,274 schools were merged, whereas in Kashmir, 3,084 schools faced closure.
Breakdown of School Mergers
Replying to a starred question from Rajiv Jasrotia, BJP MLA from Jasrota Assembly Constituency in Kathua district, Minister-in-Charge of the Education Department, Sakeena Itoo, provided district-wise details of the schools that were merged.
In Jammu division, the highest number of school mergers occurred in Jammu district (354), followed by Kathua (238), Samba (125), Doda (113), Poonch (103), Rajouri (98), Udhampur (91), Kishtwar (72), Reasi (61), and Ramban (19).
In Kashmir division, Baramulla saw the highest number of school closures (638), followed by Kupwara (469), Anantnag (422), Budgam (353), Bandipora (289), Kulgam (267), Pulwama (204), Srinagar (168), Shopian (148), and Ganderbal (126).
Reasons for School Closures
Minister Itoo explained that the closures were carried out after evaluating several factors such as:
- Schools operating within close proximity to each other.
- Schools functioning without buildings or from rented structures.
- Schools with zero or very low enrollment.
- Surplus teaching staff, who were then rationalized and deployed to areas with greater need.
Vacant Teaching Positions
The Minister further disclosed details about the vacancies within the education department:
- Jammu Division: 1,665 posts of teachers and masters, 2,218 lecturers, 402 headmasters, and 40 principals are currently unfilled.
- Kashmir Division: 1,671 teachers and masters, 1,957 lecturers, 300 headmasters, and 58 principals’ positions remain vacant.
Verification of Degrees
Regarding the verification of degrees for teaching staff, Minister Itoo stated that the Education Department forwards certificates to the concerned universities for authentication. In Jammu division, 7,721 files were examined, with 4,617 verified and recommended for one-time exemption, while 3,104 files lacked the required documentation. Similarly, in Kashmir, 5,750 files were examined, with 4,253 verified and 1,497 found deficient.
When questioned about the validity of degrees obtained from certain universities and institutions, Itoo emphasized that only degrees from universities recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) are considered valid, as per Government Order Number 940-Edu of 2017, dated November 17, 2017.
The government’s revelation of the high number of vacancies and school mergers highlights the urgent need for reforms and better resource allocation in the education sector to address the ongoing challenges faced by students and teachers across Jammu and Kashmir.
