The Plight of Private School Teachers in Kashmir

Educating Society, Struggling to Survive

By Waqar Ahmad Ganie

Kashmir’s education sector presents a painful contradiction that deserves serious public attention. A person working as an unskilled daily-wage labourer may earn approximately ₹700 to ₹1,000 a day, while a qualified private-school teacher often struggles to earn even ₹200 to ₹400 per day. This comparison is not intended to disrespect any profession or diminish the dignity of labour. Every honest worker deserves respect. However, it raises an important question: Why is the profession responsible for shaping the future of society among the least financially valued?
Private-school teachers are among the most hardworking yet underpaid members of our society.

They spend hours teaching children, preparing lessons, checking notebooks, conducting examinations, maintaining discipline and performing numerous administrative duties.

Their responsibilities do not end when the school bell rings. They carry the burden of their students’ academic progress even after returning home.

Unfortunately, many private-school teachers in Kashmir receive salaries that are insufficient to meet even their basic household expenses. Rising prices, transportation costs, electricity bills, children’s education and medical expenses have made their lives increasingly difficult.
The irony is that parents expect quality education, schools demand excellent academic results, and society expects teachers to produce responsible citizens. Yet, when it comes to compensating these teachers, their contribution is often overlooked.

A teacher who spends years acquiring education and professional skills should not have to struggle for basic financial security. Low salaries also affect teachers’ motivation, professional development and the overall quality of education. How can we expect excellence in education when the educators themselves are living under financial pressure?
It is high time that the government, private-school managements and concerned educational authorities paid attention to this issue. A fair minimum salary structure for private-school teachers should be introduced and strictly implemented. Timely salaries, job security and basic employment benefits must not remain distant dreams.

Private-school teachers are not in demanding luxury. They are asking for dignity, fairness and a salary that reflects their responsibilities and qualifications.

A society that pays little attention to the financial condition of its teachers cannot expect its education system to flourish.
Let us remember: Teachers build the minds that build nations. If we cannot provide them with a dignified livelihood, we must seriously question our priorities as a society.

The author can be mailed at: Waqarganie111@gmail.com