Jammu and Kashmir Faces Critical Teacher Shortage Amid Stalled School Upgrades

Jammu and Kashmir are grappling with a significant shortfall as 12,977 teaching positions remain vacant. Education Minister Sakeena Itoo announced that no schools have been upgraded since 2024, citing financial and infrastructural constraints.

The vacancy crisis is particularly acute in districts like Rajouri, Kathua, Jammu, and Poonch in the Jammu division, while Anantnag, Budgam, Pulwama, and Kupwara top the list in Kashmir. Master's promotional vacancies also remain a challenge, yet efforts are ongoing through Divisional Level Departmental Promotion Committees.

Itoo confessed there are no immediate plans for upgrading schools, especially in hilly and remote areas like Doda, due to the need for infrastructure development and financial agreements. However, if proposals arise, feasible schools in these areas will be considered based on strict norms and requirements.