Bandipora, Feb 2- Recent revelations on social media have sparked widespread concern over the plight of private school teachers in Kashmir, with many alleging they are being paid salaries that barely cover living expenses. The issue has brought to light the harsh realities faced by educators who are the backbone of the education system.

Teachers, who are expected to shape young minds, are struggling to make ends meet, with some earning as little as ₹3,000 per month. Dr. Asif Iqbal, a veteran teacher with 10 years of experience, lamented, "I have been working for long 10 years, but what I get is only suffering and pain. I am currently working at an institute at a meager salary of ₹12,000, and that too isn't paid on time."
Shagufta (name changed), a female teacher with an MA in Psychology and B.Ed, echoed similar sentiments. "I was working at one institute for ₹3,000 per month. People think women degrade teacher salaries, but that's not true. I was teaching primary classes, and even highly qualified teachers for higher classes were getting ₹7,000."
Another teacher highlighted the harsh reality, "I have been working at a mean salary of ₹6,000 per month. In today's economy, ₹6,000 can't even maintain my child's fee. It's a shame for our community. I give seven classes and am paid ₹200 per day, while a laborer in Kashmir takes ₹800 per day."
Irfan, a teacher, expressed his frustration, "It's pressure from my family to work, as because at the end we have to earn otherwise I am so detached from this teaching field where you have to give seven classes isn't a joke at all its grave injustice with private school teachers. The so called private school association Kashmir should look into the matter very deeply, but unfortunately in that association the presence is only from the school owners."
The teachers are now appealing to the administration and authorities to take concrete steps to check and enhance the efficiency of private institutes. Aijaz Ahmad, a teacher, said, "Private schools exploit youth in the name of jobs. When board results are out, it's always private institutes where students get good ranks, but the teacher who works hard is ignored. There should be at least ₹15,000 minimum fixed salary for teachers."
The situation is dire, with teachers from Bandipora alleging that even institutes run by respected individuals pay salaries not exceeding ₹10,000. The teachers demand stricter regulations to ensure fair pay and better working conditions. "It's not just about the salary; it's about respect for the teaching community," said a teacher.
What's more striking is the contrast between the treatment of teachers in Kashmir and the rest of India. Outside Jammu and Kashmir, teachers are paid decent salaries and command respect in society. "It's like two different worlds," said a teacher, highlighting the disparity.
Adding to the woes of aspiring teachers, the lack of government job opportunities has led to a sense of desperation. "There are no Govt jobs as well. It better to find something which can be a helping hand rather then procrastinating at homes," said a school chairman, hinting at the harsh reality of the job market.
However, Altamash, chairman of an institute in Jammu, said, "We do pay ₹18,000 per month for every teacher. Even I too believe it's quite not the good amount of salary to be given to one of the noble profession, but ours budget isn't that much but I think teachers should be paid well."
The issue has sparked outrage across the valley, with many calling for immediate action to address the plight of private school teachers in Kashmir. Parents and students are also expressing concern, as they fear that the situation might affect the quality of education. The teachers hope that their plea will be heard and that the authorities will take necessary steps to address their grievances.