Over 30% Teaching Posts Vacant in Government Schools Across Kupwara Constituency
Srinagar, September 25: More than 30 per cent of sanctioned teaching positions in government schools across the Kupwara Assembly constituency are currently vacant, with lecturer posts recording the highest vacancy rate, according to details placed before the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
The figures were provided by the government in response to a question raised by MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz.
According to the reply, a total of 403 posts of lecturers, teachers and masters have been sanctioned for the constituency. Of these, 280 posts are currently filled, leaving a significant number of vacancies across different teaching cadres.
Lecturer vacancies cross 57 per cent
Lecturer positions have recorded the highest vacancy rate. Against 77 sanctioned lecturer posts, only 33 are currently filled, while 44 posts remain vacant.
This means more than 57 per cent of sanctioned lecturer positions are vacant in the constituency.
Among teachers, 252 posts have been sanctioned, of which 204 are currently in position, leaving 48 vacancies.
The government has also sanctioned 74 master posts, with 43 positions remaining vacant.
Mathematics, English and Physics among affected subjects
The vacancy position is also significant in several subjects.
In Mathematics, five of six sanctioned lecturer posts are vacant. English has five vacancies against seven sanctioned posts, while Physics has four vacant posts out of seven sanctioned positions.
Urdu also has four vacant lecturer posts against six sanctioned positions.
The subject-wise figures indicate that several key subjects are facing substantial shortages of teaching staff in the constituency.
Most schools functioning from government buildings
On school infrastructure, the government informed the Assembly that 200 schools in the Kupwara constituency are functioning from government-owned buildings.
Meanwhile, two schools are operating from rented premises, while four schools are functioning from rent-free accommodation.
Government considering higher secondary school upgrades
The School Education Department also informed the Assembly that it is considering a proposal to upgrade high schools, particularly those located in rural and far-flung areas, into higher secondary schools.
The proposed approach is aimed at improving access to senior secondary education and developing selected institutions as K-12 schools.
However, the department clarified that there is currently no immediate proposal to upgrade primary schools to middle schools or middle schools to high schools.
It said requests for such upgrades would be considered in phases, subject to budgetary availability and prescribed norms.
The vacancy figures and proposed school upgrades highlight the staffing and educational infrastructure requirements in the Kupwara constituency, particularly in rural and remote areas.