Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday that 136 Senior Lecturers were appointed as in-charge Principals in December 2025 and January 2026. She added that the promotion process for 114 Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) as in-charge Principals is in its final stage, which will help fill vacant Principal posts across the School Education Department (SED) in the Union Territory.

The Minister made these statements while replying to a Calling Attention Notice moved by legislator Javid Hassan Baig. Regarding subject-specific teachers in the Baramulla constituency, Itoo said that 27 Teachers/Masters/Lecturers have been deployed to Higher Secondary Schools in addition to their primary duties to teach their respective subjects of expertise.

Out of 15 Higher Secondary Schools in Baramulla, nine are currently without Principals. Itoo reiterated that the ongoing promotion process will ensure these vacancies are addressed.

The Minister also informed the Assembly that 594 Lecturer vacancies across various subjects have been referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), with selection lists nearing completion and appointments already made for some subjects.

Additionally, the department is placing PG Masters/Teachers as in-charge Lecturers in various disciplines. Since January 2026, 48 PG Masters/Teachers have been appointed as in-charge Lecturers in Geography, 10 in Dogri, and 87 in Political Science. Elevations in other disciplines are in the pipeline and will be finalized soon, ensuring subject-specific teacher vacancies are filled throughout Jammu and Kashmir, including the Baramulla constituency.

This step reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen academic leadership and address teaching gaps across the Union Territory’s schools. (KL)