SSA teachers work sans facilities

2/23/2016 

Nitesh Sangral

Early Times Report  

Jammu, Feb 23: The seasonal teachers, under Sarva Shikhsha Abhiyan (SSA), are teaching to students of Gujjar and Bakerwal families, who are enrolled under centrally sponsored scheme SSA, in open without basic facilities as well as under threat of as wild animals used to roam.

Moreover, despite the meeting of concerned authority about enchantment in their salary, these teachers, who are engaged on seasonal basis are yet to receive a hike in their monthly remuneration of Rs 4000 for last 10 to 11 years. Since the scheme under SSA has been introduced in the State, students have never received 'Mid-Day Meal' by the authority of SSA.

Sources told Early Times that in order to provide basic education to the children of the mostly families belonging to economically weaker sections of the tribal Viz, Gujjars, Bakerwals, Shepherds communities, a scheme introduced and later it called Mobile Schools which is now known as Seasonal Schools.

"At present these schools are operational in Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Budgam, Shopian, Kupwara, Baramulla, Kargil and few other districts of the State. 1100 Educational Volunteers (Teachers) for taking care of these schools and to provide quality education to children, "Sources stated, adding that these schools start their academic session from June onwards which continues till October and these schools provide education up to primary level only.

"The tents are totally damaged and their condition is totally filthy and this forces the children to sit under open sky. These schools are supposed to provide Mid Day meals to the enrolled students but the authority has never provided meals to the students. Moreover, there are no blackboards and the stationery is also not being supplied to their children, "a delegation of teachers Manzoor Ahmed Ganie, Aazaj Ahmed, Manzoor Ahmed and Mansoor ur din alleged.

They stated some areas are full of fear as wild animals used to roam in these dense areas even in the day time. These teachers are carrying the teaching and food materials on their backs and reaching the destinations under fear to provide the education to these students so that they would be educated and earn for ownself and family too.

"We are being paid a monthly salary (stipend) of Rs 4000 and from 2004 till date there has been no revision in this stipend. The salaries of Government officials has been increased under 6th pay commission but we have been totally ignored," they stated and adding they have been running from pillar to post for the basic facilities and increment in their salary for last many years, but no avail.

They also demand for some job security and continuation of their empanelment for the whole academic year

When contacted Advisor to Governor, Parvez Dewan said, "I am already working on the same issue and hope the matter will be sought out as soon as possible". He said all basic and required facilities would be provided to the seasonal teachers.