An open letter to Chief Minister Sir, it was 5th June2009, when you were sworn in as chief minister of J&K. It was a moment of joy for the people of j&k to have an energetic, young, and qualified and extrovert C.M. Your philosophy to encourage “merit” was well received by the people. In the beginning you were vociferous against red tapism, corruption and favoritism. But your promise of overhauling and streamlining of derailed system remained a dream. You quickly dipped into political colours. Sir, you are now mature in politics because your each and every decision is politically motivated. May it be scrapping of new job policy, enhancement of retirement age or inclusion of engagement period of Re-T’s in their regular services. The decision regarding Re-T’s may be politically correct but factually disastrous, because it puts a big question mark on the credibility of an institution of the state whose affairs you are running. Re-T’s scheme cheap to state ex chequer, as teachers are hired on meager honorium but experts says it has far adverse effects on education system. Here Re-T’s are being engaged without any screening. It is necessary for a qualified C.M like you to consult all stake holders before taking any decision in hurry. Your decision has perturbed the merit holders and has leaded a direct confrontation of ideas and philosophies. Quality versus quantity Re-T’s are more in number than SSRB recruited general line teachers (GLT’s). Those who believe in quantity always fail to achieve goals. Sir, your decision has crumbled the merit under cheap politics. You decision has snatched the rights of GLT’s, who joined the department after competing at district and provisional level. A large number of GLT’s worked as Re-T’s, but when SSRB advertised the posts for general line teachers, they applied and qualify the interview. After selection they left the Re-T engagement and joined their regular service to attain seniority. On the other hand those who failed to qualify the screening continued to work as Re-T’s .Your decision has topple down the system. Now Re-T’s are getting seniority benefits over SSRB recruits. In political science it is called vote bank politics and it discourages merit. Village level committee versus SSRB Sir, as you know village level committee (VLC) comprises of village head (Numberdar), Imam of local mosque and Chowkidar .For engagement of Re-T’s this VLC forms a panel in consultation with concerned zonal education officer. Usually in most cases these VLC members put their “thumb impressions” to ascertain a document. Being uneducated and non-literate VLC easily comes under the influence of powerful lobbies in villages. It results dilution of transparency. It is estimated that more than 65% of Re-T’s have been engaged as 10+2 only and 100% Re-T’s have entered the department without screening. SSRB in contrary is an institution of our state. Its members are not only qualified but are experts in selecting capable human resource. They professionally interview (internal view) aspirants and check their mental, emotional and educational capability. Sir, Your decision has given weight age to VLC over SSRB. Hence you are challenging the credibility of an institution of our state. Politics versus judiciary Sir, your decision to count engagement period of Re-T’s as regular service is an example of cheap politics. Judiciary has power to contest your decision. No person is above law. Constitution of the state also advocates merit. People have full faith in the institutions of our state. We have respected the selection process of SSRB and we shall respect the verdict of judiciary. After all these institutions forms basis of any democratic state. People have always opposed tooth and nail whenever the credibility of the institutions is challenged. Rural versus urban Nobody can deny the fact that Re-T scheme has helped ruralists more than urbanities. Opening of new schools and up gradation of existing schools create large number of vacancies in rural areas. Obviously a large number of eligible candidates were engaged as Re-T’s. While ruralists were engaged as Re-T’s qualified urbanities face tough time and they struggled. They were left with only option of SSRB. Sir, your decision has hit the urban GLT’s the most. Merit is ashamed and meritorious is discouraged by your decision. Conclusion Time and tide waits for none. To confess and to correct the mistakes are signs of bravery. To restore the credibility of institutions is always welcomed in democracy. To encourage merit is in evitable. Hoping a response which satisfies the merit --------------- --------END---- --------------- -----------Ghul am Muhammad Ganaie (Teacher) High school, Asham, Bandipora _
Posted on: Sat, 19 Jul 2014 16:58:15 +0000