Srinagar, Nov 28 : Former Chief Minister and People Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday expressed serious concern over the “plight” of contractual lecturers in Jammu and Kashmir and demanded equal salary like being paid to their counterparts of Union Territory of Ladakh.

Mehbooba termed the treatment of contractual lecturers as “unjust and discriminatory”.

“Contractual lecturers are the backbone of higher education in J&K, yet they face severe injustice”, the PDP President said in a Statement.

She said with a meager salary of Rs 28000 and no summer or winter pay as compared to their counterparts in Ladakh which offers Rs 57700, their plight cannot be ignored.

“It’s time to honour their contribution by changing their nomenclature from academic arrangement to Contractual Assistant Professors and ensuring dignity and fair pay”, the former Chief Minister emphasized.

Mehbooba highlighted the essential role of contractual lecturers being played in sustaining the higher education system, especially in remote areas, where they work under challenging conditions with limited resources.

The PDP Chief emphasized the urgent need to address their grievances, including ensuring fair pay that matches their counterparts in Ladakh. She also demanded regular and consistent payment of salaries during summer and winter breaks, and a dignified change in their designation from “Academic Arrangement” to “Contractual Assistant Professors”.

Mehbooba reiterated that these measures are not just about financial justice but also about recognizing the invaluable contribution of these educators to shaping the future of J&K’s youth.

“The government must not treat these lecturers as temporary placeholders but as integral contributors to the future of our youth. Addressing their concerns is not just an obligation, it is a necessity,” she added.

The PDP President urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to engage with representatives of contractual lecturers and implement solutions that bring fairness, respect, and dignity to their profession.

“The PDP stands firmly in support of the contractual lecturers and calls for immediate action to resolve their genuine concern”, she added.

UNI