The recent appointment of Cluster Resource Coordinators (CRCs) in various districts of Kashmir under Notification No. 6-DSEK of 2024, dated 19/06/2024, should have been a moment of triumph for the region’s highly qualified youth. These individuals, many of whom hold Ph.Ds, NET, SET, and postgraduate degrees earned through years of dedication and hard work, have been selected to contribute to the academic development of our students for the 2024-25 academic year. However, instead of being welcomed and supported, these talented professionals are being subjected to a cumbersome and outdated verification process that is draining their morale and enthusiasm.
Despite their contractual status, CRCs are required to undergo the same rigorous formalities as permanent faculty members. This includes CID verification, degree certificate and mark sheet verifications, and affidavits before a first-class magistrate. While the importance of thorough verification cannot be understated, the current procedures are unnecessarily lengthy and expensive. For instance, the University of Kashmir charges Rs. 300 for the verification of each marks card and degree separately. For unemployed youth, such expenses are a significant burden.
In an era where digital governance is rapidly becoming the norm, it is disheartening to see that our educational system still relies heavily on postal services and outdated procedures. Many advanced regions have successfully implemented Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to streamline verification processes, ensuring efficiency and reducing the time and financial costs involved.
Take the example of Estonia, a small country that has embraced digital governance wholeheartedly. With its e-Residency program and digital ID cards, Estonia has made it possible for citizens and residents to access a wide range of services online, including document verification. Similarly, India’s own Aadhaar system has simplified identity verification processes for various services, demonstrating that such models can be effectively adapted to our educational framework.
When highly qualified individuals are treated with such disregard, it sends a discouraging message to the youth of Kashmir. We must strive to create an environment that values and supports our educators, recognizing their efforts and contributions rather than subjecting them to unnecessary stress and financial strain.
It is imperative that the School Education Department of Kashmir acknowledges these challenges and takes immediate steps to reform the verification process. Integrating ICT solutions would not only make the system more efficient but also more transparent and less burdensome for the newly appointed CRCs. Simplified and cost-effective verification processes would allow these educators to focus on their primary responsibility: improving the quality of education in our schools.
The future of education in Kashmir depends on our ability to attract and retain talented educators. By modernizing our verification processes and embracing digital solutions, we can ensure that our educational system is not only efficient but also welcoming and supportive. It is time to move away from outdated practices and towards a more progressive and inclusive approach that recognizes the potential of our youth and empowers them to build a better future for Kashmir. In doing so, we will not only uplift the morale of our educators but also pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous Kashmir.
(Author is a postgraduate scholar with UGC NET qualifications, currently teaching political science and contributing to various articles and journals. Feedback: [email protected])
