Srinagar, July 21:
In a move aimed at addressing the persistent staff shortage in government schools, the School Education Department (SED) of Jammu and Kashmir has announced the recruitment of 164 Cluster Resource Coordinators (CRCs) and 550 subject-specific teachers on a contractual basis.
According to official data, more than 4,000 lecturer posts remain vacant across high and higher secondary schools in J&K. While the department has previously redeployed postgraduate teachers from primary and middle schools to manage the shortfall, the new recruitment drive marks a structured step toward resolving the crisis.
Recruitment Details
- 164 Cluster Resource Coordinators (CRCs):
To be appointed for the ongoing 2024–25 academic session. Applications will be invited by the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir (DSEK). - 550 Subject-Specific Teachers:
To be engaged for the 2025–26 academic year under Samagra Shiksha. The recruitment will be done strictly on a contractual basis.
Vacancy Status
- Sanctioned Lecturer Posts: 10,330
- Posts Filled: 6,130
- Vacancies Remaining: Over 4,200
The government has already referred 594 lecturer posts to the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC) for permanent recruitment. Additionally, the department is promoting eligible in-service candidates to fill part of the gap.
No Regularization Promise
The department has clarified that the upcoming contractual appointments will be purely temporary and will not guarantee future regularization. The appointments are meant solely to support the current and upcoming academic sessions.
Funding & Implementation
The recruitment of the 550 teachers will be funded under the centrally sponsored Samagra Shiksha scheme. The Project Director of Samagra Shiksha has been requested to grant administrative approval to expedite the hiring process.
Government’s Stand
Education Minister Sakina Itoo stated,
“This initiative will help restore academic functioning in schools and support students who have long been affected by the lack of qualified teachers.”
The move is expected to bring temporary relief to thousands of students across Jammu and Kashmir, especially in remote and underserved regions (GK)