Srinagar, Friday 30 Oct: A high-level delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), led by Chairman Gh Ahmad Mir, today met Education Minister Shamima Firdous and Finance Minister Javid Ahmad Dar at the Civil Secretariat.
The delegation comprised General Secretary Tahir Sofi, Chief Disciplinarian Gulzar Ahmad Reshi, Financial Secretary Farooq Ahmad Lolabi and Provincial President Irfan Nazir.
During the meeting with Education Minister Shamima Firdous, the delegation warmly welcomed and congratulated her on being entrusted with the charge of the School Education Department. The delegation held constructive discussions on various long-pending service-related issues and genuine concerns of the teaching community and sought her personal intervention for their early and amicable resolution.
The delegation also warmly welcomed Finance Minister Javid Ahmad Dar and held detailed discussions with him regarding Order 305-F and the long-pending demand for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). The delegation highlighted the genuine concerns of affected employees and sought his positive intervention for a just and favourable resolution.
While speaking to the media, Provincial President JKTF Irfan Nazir said that the delegation had placed the genuine concerns and long-pending demands of the teaching fraternity before both Ministers. He expressed hope that the issues discussed would receive due consideration at the highest level and that meaningful steps would be taken towards their early resolution.
He particularly emphasised that the demand for OPS restoration is not merely a service-related issue but a matter of social security, dignity and justice for employees who have devoted their lives to public service.
He further stated that JKTF firmly believes in constructive dialogue, institutional engagement and sustained efforts to secure legitimate rights and safeguard the honour and dignity of the teaching community.
The JKTF leadership expressed confidence that the positive approach of both Ministers would translate into concrete outcomes, bringing much-needed relief to the teaching fraternity and other affected employees.
JKTF reiterates its unwavering commitment to the welfare of teachers and the larger interests of the education sector. The organisation remains hopeful that the issues raised will receive the attention and consideration they rightfully deserve. (PRESS NOTE)
