Srinagar- Contractual lecturers employed in various degree colleges across Jammu and Kashmir have raised concerns over non-payment of their salaries since their appointment two months ago. The delay has caused widespread frustration among the teaching staff, who have been struggling to meet their financial obligations.
Speaking to Kashmir Observer, a contractual lecturer from Degree College Handwara expressed disappointment over the prolonged delay. “We have been performing our duties diligently for the past two months, but we have not received a single penny. This has put us in a very difficult position,” the lecturer said.
The lecturers have appealed to the authorities to address their grievances at the earliest, emphasizing that many of them rely solely on these salaries for their livelihoods.
Responding to the issue, the Nodal Principal Colleges, Kashmir division Dr. Seema Naz said that those lecturers whose police verification has been completed are being paid. However, those whose verification is still pending will have to wait until the process is finalized,” the principal told Kashmir Observer.
However, another contractual lecturer from Degree College said on anonymity that her verifications have been completed but salary has not been deposited in her account.
Pertinently, the contractual lecturers in Jammu & Kashmir are intensifying their demands for salary enhancements, citing significant discrepancies between their earnings and those of their counterparts in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Currently, lecturers in Jammu and Kashmir say they are paid Rs 28,000 per month while those in Ladakh receive a monthly salary of Rs 57,700 which has angered contractual lecturers in Jammu & Kashmir.
Speaking to Kashmir Observer, the contractual lecturers said that they perform the same duties and responsibilities as their peers in Ladakh, yet they are compensated with nearly half the salary.
This discrepancy, they say, is causing significant financial strain on them and their families, particularly in a time when the cost of living continues to rise.
Dr. Seema Naz said that the file for a salary hike has been forwarded to the finance department.
“The financial implications of the move are currently being reviewed. We are hopeful that the hike will be approved soon,” she added.
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