Sopore,October 26: The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum, District Baramulla, organised a grand Review and Oath-Taking Ceremony, hosted by Teachers Forum Zone Dangerpora, at Islamia High School, Warpora, on Monday.
The newly elected zonal body, under the leadership of Mr Khursheed Khayaal, was formally administered the oath, marking a new chapter in the organisational activities of Teachers Forum Zone Dangerpora and its affiliation with the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum.
The ceremony was attended by Provincial President Mr Bhat Javid, provincial office-bearers, District President Mr Peer Faizan, zonal presidents from various zones of District Baramulla, delegates, and a large number of teachers from Zone Dangerpora.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers deliberated on various issues confronting the teaching fraternity, with particular emphasis on the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), teachers’ welfare, and the protection of employees’ retirement benefits.
Provincial President Mr Bhat Javid, while addressing the gathering and speaking to the media, called upon the government to reconsider and revoke the order concerning the NPS-to-OPS issue, stressing that pension security is essential for safeguarding the dignity and future of employees.
He stated that a pension serves as the backbone of an employee’s post-retirement security and maintained that teachers were demanding their legitimate rights.
Referring to the positive response received from the government on the TET-related issue, he urged the authorities to adopt a similarly positive approach towards resolving the NPS-to-OPS matter.
He cautioned that if the issue remained unresolved, the Teachers Forum would be compelled to stage a protest in Srinagar to press for its demands.
Highlighting the contribution of teachers to the education sector, Mr Javid said that the encouraging performance of government schools reflected the dedication and hard work of teachers committed to shaping the future of students.
He also urged Education Minister Sakina Itoo to ensure the timely distribution of textbooks to schools through a fast-track mechanism so that students studying in government institutions could continue their academic activities without disruption.
Furthermore, he said that the Teachers Forum would work towards the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 across Jammu and Kashmir. He assured teachers that their genuine grievances would be taken up with the concerned higher authorities for appropriate redressal.
District President Mr Peer Faizan congratulated the teachers of Zone Dangerpora on becoming part of the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum.
He described Zone Dangerpora as an important zone with a dedicated teaching community and expressed confidence that its teachers would work collectively to strengthen the organisation.
He also congratulated newly elected Zonal President Mr Khursheed Khayaal and his entire team, assuring them of the district leadership’s full cooperation in addressing teachers’ concerns and advancing their welfare.
Speaking on the occasion, newly elected Zonal President Mr Khursheed Khayaal expressed happiness over becoming part of the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum and thanked the leadership and teaching community for reposing their trust in him and entrusting him with the responsibility of leading Zone Dangerpora.
He assured the teachers that he would make every possible effort to address their genuine issues, take up their grievances with the concerned authorities, and work sincerely for the welfare of the teaching fraternity.
Mr Khayaal further pledged to strengthen the forum at the zonal level and bring recognition to Zone Dangerpora through unity, dedication, and collective efforts.
Teachers present at the ceremony extended their full support to the newly elected Zonal President and his team, expressing their commitment to working together for teachers’ welfare and strengthening the forum.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Mr Showket, Vice Zonal President, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, delegates, and teachers for their participation and support.
The ceremony reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to unity among teachers, the resolution of their genuine grievances, improvement in educational standards, and the continued pursuit of the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.
