Ehsaan Parray:
Bandipora Sep.05: On this day, traditionally celebrated as Teachers’ Day, vocational trainers in Jammu & Kashmir are compelled to observe it as a Black Day. This decision stems from over 10 years of neglect, exploitation, and unjust treatment imposed upon us by the government.
Despite having the same qualifications as regular faculty, vocational trainers are denied proper pay scales, forced to work under precarious conditions that undermine our ability to provide for our families. Instead, we are paid inadequate wages that barely meet basic needs.
The appointment of vocational training partners has further diminished our professional status, adding to our hardships. The authorities fail to recognize that we are equally deserving of respect and fair treatment. It is deeply disheartening to see us treated as inferior, while our counterparts enjoy better working conditions. Under the same Constitution, why are we, as highly qualified professionals, denied the same rights and dignity?
As Indian citizens, we demand recognition and equality. We urge the government and relevant authorities to address the systemic injustices we face and to ensure that vocational trainers receive the respect, pay, and status we rightfully deserve.
In protest of these ongoing grievances, we, the vocational trainers of Jammu & Kashmir, have chosen to observe September 5th as Black Day. This is not just a day of protest, but a call for justice, dignity, and inclusion within the educational system of our country.
Let this day be a reminder that our voices will not be silenced, and we will continue to fight for our rights until the inequities we face are corrected.
