J&K Vocational Trainers Continue 12-Day Protest Over Job, Salary Demands

The Jammu & Kashmir Vocational Trainers Welfare Association (JKVTWA) has continued its peaceful protest at Floriculture Park in Srinagar, with vocational trainers entering the 12th consecutive day of their agitation over long-pending service and employment-related demands.

The trainers are seeking government action on issues that, according to the association, have affected vocational trainers serving in government schools across Jammu & Kashmir for nearly a decade. The association has described these concerns as genuine and longstanding.

One of the key demands is the implementation of recommendations submitted by the Directors of School Education and Chief Education Officers regarding vocational education and the role of vocational trainers.

The association is also demanding the abolition of the Vocational Training Provider (VTP) system. It has sought a transition to a directly administered and institutionally accountable model under the School Education Department/Samagra Shiksha.

Salary enhancement and annual increments are among the other demands raised by the trainers. The association has said these are needed in recognition of their long-standing service and responsibilities.

The trainers have also called for a comprehensive job policy. They want the policy to provide service stability, career progression and professional recognition, along the lines of models adopted in Assam, Mizoram and Haryana.

A transparent transfer policy for vocational trainers is another demand being raised during the protest.

The association has further sought humanitarian compensation and death-in-service benefits for eligible families of vocational trainers who die during service.

JKVTWA has highlighted the case of Late Bashir Ahmed Gojri, a vocational trainer and father of three. According to the association, his death has intensified concerns over financial insecurity and social protection for vocational trainers and their families.

The association said that Bashir Ahmed Gojri had reportedly been awaiting pending salary for around six months. The case has been cited as part of the trainers’ concerns over their employment and welfare conditions.

JKVTWA has appealed to the media to visit the protest site and interact with the participating trainers. It has also urged the media to highlight their concerns before the public and the concerned authorities.

The association maintains that vocational trainers have played an important role in providing vocational education and skill development to students across Jammu & Kashmir. It is seeking government intervention to resolve their long-standing employment and welfare issues.

The material also carries references to Republic India, Indian Express, Omar Abdullah, Deputy CM Surinder choudhary, Satish Sharma, Sakina Itoo and J&K National Conference. It does not provide separate comments from these references on the protest or the demands raised by the trainers.