Mehbooba Mufti Demands Better Pay for Contractual Lecturers in Jammu Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Former Chief Minister and JK PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has raised concerns about the treatment of contractual lecturers in Jammu and Kashmir, calling their situation unjust and discriminatory.
“These educators, who play a critical role in the region’s higher education system, receive a modest salary of Rs 28,000 and are denied pay during summer and winter breaks. In contrast, their counterparts in Ladakh are paid Rs 57,700,” Mehbooba said.
In a statement, Mehbooba Mufti said: “Contractual lecturers are the backbone of higher education in J&K, yet they face severe injustice. With a meager salary of ₹28,000 and no summer or winter pay, as compared to ₹57,700 offered in Ladakh, their plight cannot be ignored. It’s time to honour their contribution by renaming their designation from ‘Academic Arrangement’ to ‘Contractual Assistant Professors’ and ensuring dignity and fair pay.”
She highlighted the indispensable role these lecturers play, particularly in remote areas, where they work under challenging conditions with limited resources. Mufti stressed the urgency of addressing their grievances, including equalising their pay with Ladakh’s standards, ensuring consistent salaries during breaks, and elevating their professional designation to ‘Contractual Assistant Professors.’
She further emphasised that these changes go beyond financial fairness, recognising the lecturers’ vital contribution to the education and future of JK’s youth. “The government must not treat these lecturers as temporary placeholders but as essential contributors to shaping our youth’s future. Addressing their concerns is not just an obligation but a necessity,” she added.
Mehbooba Mufti urged the JK Government to engage with representatives of contractual lecturers and implement solutions that bring fairness, respect, and dignity to their profession. The PDP firmly supports the contractual lecturers and calls for immediate action to resolve their legitimate concerns.
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