The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has officially announced that 8,311 teaching positions remain vacant across various levels in the region. Out of these, 4,325 positions are unfilled in Jammu division, while 3,986 vacancies persist in Kashmir division.
Additionally, under its rationalization scheme, the government has merged 4,358 schools across the Union Territory, citing various reasons for their closure. The merger includes 1,274 schools in Jammu division and 3,084 schools in Kashmir division.
Breakdown of School Mergers by District in Jammu & Kashmir
In response to a starred question raised by BJP MLA Rajiv Jasrotia from Jasrota Assembly Constituency, Kathua, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo provided district-wise details of the school closures and teaching staff vacancies.
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Jammu Division
The highest number of school mergers in Jammu division occurred in:
- Jammu district: 354 schools
- Kathua district: 238 schools
- Samba district: 125 schools
- Doda district: 113 schools
- Poonch district: 103 schools
- Rajouri district: 98 schools
- Udhampur district: 91 schools
- Kishtwar district: 72 schools
- Reasi district: 61 schools
- Ramban district: 19 schools (least affected)
Kashmir Division
In Kashmir, the highest school closures were recorded in:
- Baramulla district: 638 schools
- Kupwara district: 469 schools
- Anantnag district: 422 schools
- Budgam district: 353 schools
- Bandipora district: 289 schools
- Kulgam district: 267 schools
- Pulwama district: 204 schools
- Srinagar district: 168 schools
- Shopian district: 148 schools
- Ganderbal district: 126 schools (least affected)
Reasons Behind School Mergers
The Education Department highlighted several factors that led to the closure of these schools:
- Proximity of Schools: Many schools were functioning in the same vicinity.
- Lack of Infrastructure: Some schools operated without buildings or in rented spaces.
- Low Enrollment Rates: Schools with zero or minimal student enrollment were shut down.
- Teacher Redistribution: Surplus teaching staff from merged schools were reassigned based on the needs of the district, zone, and area.
Teaching Vacancies Across Jammu and Kashmir
The Education Minister confirmed that 8,311 teaching positions remain vacant in the region. Below is the breakdown:
Jammu Division
- Teachers & Masters: 1,665 posts vacant
- Lecturers: 2,218 posts vacant
- Head Masters: 402 posts vacant
- Principals: 40 posts vacant
Kashmir Division
- Teachers & Masters: 1,671 posts vacant
- Lecturers: 1,957 posts vacant
- Head Masters: 300 posts vacant
- Principals: 58 posts vacant
Verification of Teaching Degrees
Responding to another query regarding the verification of teaching staff qualifications, Minister Sakeena Itoo clarified that the Education Department directly forwards degree certificates to the concerned Universities for verification. This process incurs a requisite fee, and once verified, the reports are processed accordingly.
Verification Status by Region
Jammu Division:
- Total Files Examined: 7,721
- Verified & Recommended for One-Time Exemption: 4,617
- Deficient Files (Missing Documents): 3,104
Kashmir Division:
- Total Files Examined: 5,750
- Verified & Recommended for One-Time Exemption: 4,253
- Deficient Files (Missing Documents): 1,497
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List of Recognized Universities
Regarding universities whose degrees were found invalid, the Minister stated that only universities listed on the University Grants Commission (UGC) website are recognized for degree verification. The policy follows Government Order No. 940-Edu of 2017, dated November 17, 2017.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government faces a major challenge in addressing the 8,311 vacant teaching positions and the merger of 4,358 schools. The rationalization scheme aims to improve resource allocation, but concerns remain over staff shortages and education accessibility. Further updates on recruitment drives and policy changes are expected in the coming months.
Stay tuned for more updates on education policies in Jammu & Kashmir.
