Srinagar, June 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), affiliated with the All India Teachers Federation (AISTF)and representing thousands of educators across the Union Territory, has made a fervent appeal to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, and Education Minister for the immediate release of long-pending General Provident Fund (GPF) bills, various allowances, and Mid-Day Meal (MDM) dues.
In a press release, JKTF Chairman, Showkat Ali Beigh, expressed deep concern over the delay in releasing these funds, stating that the prolonged pendency is inflicting severe financial hardship on the teaching community.
“With Eid-ul-Adha just around the corner, many teachers are unable to meet basic family needs. Parents are without medication, children lack essentials, and important family events such as weddings are being postponed,” said Beigh.
In addition to the GPF backlog, JKTF highlighted pending disbursements of House Rent Allowance (HRA), Children’s Education Allowance (CEA), and Dearness Allowance (DA), which remain unresolved despite repeated representations.
The Forum also urged the Hon’ble Education Minister to take immediate steps to clear Mid-Day Meal liabilities. “Teachers continue to face pressure from local shopkeepers demanding payment for supplies provided under the scheme. Furthermore, the unpaid honorarium of Mid-Day Meal cooks—among the lowest-paid workers in the system remains a matter of serious concern.”