JAMMU, Feb 20: Nearly 12,977 teaching posts are lying vacant across Jammu and Kashmir, while no school has been upgraded since 2024, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo informed the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
In a written reply to a starred question by BJP MLA Shakti Raj Parihar, the Minister said 7,985 posts are vacant in the Jammu division and 4,992 in the Kashmir division.
District-wise data shows that in the Jammu division, Rajouri (1,416), Kathua (1,332), Jammu (1,234) and Poonch (946) have the highest number of vacancies. In the Kashmir division, Anantnag (1,016), Budgam (797), Pulwama (764) and Kupwara (621) top the list.
Regarding promotional posts of Masters, the Minister said 1,722 vacancies exist in the Kashmir division and 224 in the Jammu division. She added that these promotional posts are being filled through Divisional Level Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) as per rules.
Responding to another query, Itoo said no middle, high or higher secondary school has been upgraded since November 2024. She clarified that there is currently no proposal under consideration for upgradation of schools, particularly in hilly and remote areas of Doda district.
The Minister explained that school upgradation requires infrastructure development and creation of teaching and non-teaching posts, which carry financial implications and require approval from the Finance Department. However, she assured that whenever proposals are initiated, feasible schools in Doda district will be considered in accordance with established norms and requirements. (Agency)
