Srinagar, Mar 20: Jammu’s education sector is grappling with a severe staff shortage, with over 2,626 sanctioned posts lying vacant in Jammu District alone, according to government data presented in the legislature. The crisis, fueled by a six-year recruitment freeze, has led to school closures and operational hurdles across the Union Territory.
The data, revealed in response to a starred question raised by Sham Lal Sharma, highlights a major shortfall in both teaching and non-teaching staff. Jammu District faces 1,234 vacant Teacher positions and 77 unfilled Headmaster posts, while retirements and stalled promotions have further strained the system.
The crisis is also evident in the Jammu North Constituency, where 49 out of 515 sanctioned posts remain unfilled, including four Headmasters and three Accountants Assistants. However, the constituency reports more in-position staff than sanctioned in some categories—86 Masters against 78 sanctioned and 317 Teachers against 274—likely due to interim adjustments and overlapping roles.
Compounding the issue, no new schools have been opened or upgraded in the past two years, and no teaching or non-teaching posts have been created during this period. Instead, declining enrollment and staff shortages have forced the merger of several primary schools. The government has pledged to review these closures and consider reopening schools if enrollment increases.
To mitigate the crisis, the department has resorted to contractual hiring, appointing 11 “OCC engaged” Headmasters for the 2024-25 session. However, systemic challenges remain, with 529 vacant Class IV worker posts and 103 unfilled Lab Assistant positions continuing to hinder school operations.
