Jammu and Kashmir‘s Education Minister, Sakina Itoo, has informed the Legislative Assembly that the administration is actively working to rectify the pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) in government schools across the Union Territory. This effort is being undertaken through a comprehensive rationalisation exercise designed to ensure a more equitable distribution of teaching staff. The minister’s statement came in response to a question posed by MLA Sajjad Shafi during the ongoing autumn session of the Assembly.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the rationalisation process aims to address staffing deficiencies in schools that currently exhibit a disproportionately high PTR. By judiciously deploying available teaching resources, the government intends to meet the staffing requirements in these institutions. Minister Itoo highlighted that within the Uri constituency, out of a total of 375 government schools, only 10 have reported a pupil-teacher ratio exceeding 40. This indicates a focused approach to tackle specific areas of concern.
The minister further elaborated on the steps already in motion to alleviate staff shortages in these identified schools as part of the broader rationalisation initiative. She stated that applications from eligible teachers have been invited for the Annual Transfer Drive (ATD)-2026. The selection and placement of teachers under this drive will be carefully considered, with a priority given to schools experiencing higher pupil-teacher loads. This strategic approach aims to ensure that teaching personnel are allocated where they are most needed, thereby improving the quality of education and reducing the burden on existing staff.
In addition to the ATD, the Education Department has taken concrete measures to bolster teaching capacity in areas requiring immediate attention. Minister Itoo disclosed that 22 Laboratory Assistants have recently been promoted to the rank of Teachers. Of these newly appointed teachers, eight have been assigned to the Uri constituency. Furthermore, five Masters have been transferred to the same constituency to strengthen the teaching arrangements, particularly in schools that have higher student enrollments and consequently, greater staffing needs. These appointments and transfers are part of a concerted effort to balance the teaching workforce across the education sector.
The rationalisation exercise for the current academic year has reportedly commenced, and the specific staffing requirements of individual schools are being meticulously evaluated. This detailed assessment is crucial for ensuring a balanced and effective distribution of teaching personnel throughout the Jammu and Kashmir education system. The government’s commitment to this rationalisation process underscores its dedication to providing a conducive learning environment for all students by addressing critical issues related to teacher availability and workload. The ongoing efforts are expected to lead to a more streamlined and efficient deployment of educators, ultimately benefiting the student community by ensuring adequate teacher support in all government schools.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.