Reyaz Rashid
Srinagar:The Jammu & Kashmir Vocational Trainers Welfare Association (JKVTWA) has declared a mass protest starting February 3, 2025, in response to the unfulfilled promises made by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor (LG) and the Honorable Chief Minister (CM) of J&K regarding their regularization and fair treatment.
For the past ten years, vocational trainers (VTs) have been instrumental in implementing the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) across J&K, providing skill-based education to students. Despite their critical role in shaping the future workforce and ensuring a consistent 95% pass rate in board exams, VTs continue to face job insecurity, low wages, and lack of recognition.
The trainers lament that, despite numerous assurances from the authorities—both before and after elections—no concrete steps have been taken to address their long-standing demands.
Their grievances include the absence of job security, inadequate salaries that fail to meet basic needs, and the lack of compensation for the families of deceased VTs.
Expressing deep frustration, the trainers accuse the system of discrimination, stating that while they teach students about justice and equality, they themselves are subjected to unfair treatment. “We are treated as third-class citizens. How can we teach students about dignity when we ourselves are denied it?” questioned one of the protesting trainers.
The JKVTWA has issued a strong appeal to all associations, unions, leaders, journalists, and the general public to support their struggle for justice. They have urged the government to provide a written assurance by February 1, 2025, addressing their demands. If the government fails to respond, the trainers will be compelled to take to the streets in protest.
“This is not just about vocational trainers; it is about dignity, recognition, and justice,” the association declared, vowing to continue their fight until their demands are met.