Anantnag, May 28,: A wave of concern is rising across several districts of South Kashmir as reports reveal that scores of teachers in middle and high schools have overstayed their postings, some for as long as 10 to 20 years, without being rotated or transferred. The issue is particularly acute in the districts of Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, and Anantnag, where parents and concerned citizens are demanding immediate administrative intervention.
Locals say the absence of a transfer policy has turned certain schools into personal strongholds for teachers, affecting not only academic standards but also promoting nepotism and weakening the accountability structure of the education system.
“Some teachers have been in the same school for over 15 years. This has led to favoritism and a complete lack of innovation in teaching methods. Rotation is essential if we want to maintain professional integrity in schools,” a retired lecturer, said Muhammad Yousuf Bhat from Shopian told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
In Kulgam’s Qaimoh area, a group of parents recently submitted a memorandum to the Chief Education Officer demanding immediate transfers of teachers who have exceeded the usual tenure. “Education is dynamic. When teachers stay at one place for too long, it turns static. Our children deserve fresh ideas and equal opportunities,” said Ghulam Rasool Dar, a father of three school-going children.
Similar voices have emerged from Pulwama, where youth activists say the stagnation is hurting both students and teachers.
In Anantnag, a high school teacher, on condition of anonymity, admitted that overstaying leads to complacency. “It’s true that when you stay in one place for too long, you develop comfort zones. The system needs to implement fair and regular transfers for professional growth and student benefit.”
Education activists argue that an effective transfer policy, based on tenure, performance, and need, would help restore public trust in the schooling system.
Officials in the Education Department, when contacted, acknowledged the issue and hinted that a comprehensive reshuffle could be in the pipeline. “We are aware of the matter. A district-wise review is being undertaken and necessary action will follow,” a senior official said. [KNT]
