The recent circular issued by the School Education Department directing all Deputy Commissioners in Jammu and Kashmir not to deploy government teachers and other educational staff for non-teaching or administrative duties has come as a much-needed sigh of relief. However, whether this directive will be taken seriously remains uncertain. Similar instructions have been issued in the past, only to be ignored repeatedly, with government teachers often found performing duties that have nothing to do with their core responsibility — imparting education and grooming future citizens.
Reportedly, the circular highlights that several teachers had been attached to Deputy Commissioners’ offices without formal approval from the School Education Department. This unauthorized deployment not only disrupts the academic calendar but also further worsens the already grim situation of teacher shortage in the Union Territory. The fallout of such practices has been borne by students, particularly in rural and remote areas, where finding qualified and committed teachers is already a challenge.
No one can deny that the primary duty of government school teachers is to deliver quality education and contribute to the holistic development of their students. Unfortunately, there has been a common practice in J&K where teachers are considered the go-to workforce whenever the administration needs manpower — be it for polling duties, surveys, census work, or healthcare campaigns. This mindset undermines the importance of their primary role in nation-building.
Women teachers, especially those posted in remote or hilly areas, face particular hardship. Poor road connectivity, lack of reliable public transport, and the absence of basic infrastructure make it extremely difficult for them to manage both teaching and additional duties imposed by the administration. In such a scenario, even a simple administrative order can mean a great deal — provided it is implemented in true spirit.
It is commendable that the School Education Department has finally acknowledged a long-standing grievance and issued instructions that should have come decades ago. Teachers deserve the respect and dignity associated with their profession. They should not be reduced to door-to-door data collectors or administrative assistants, particularly when their presence in classrooms is indispensable.
What matters most now is the sincere enforcement of the order. It must not remain a paper directive but be enforced in letter and spirit. Only then will teachers feel truly valued and be able to focus wholeheartedly on the task they were appointed for — to educate, empower, and inspire the next generation of this nation.
