Srinagar, May 19: Behind the polished buildings, smart classrooms, and impressive reputations of several elite private schools in Srinagar lies a growing sense of frustration among teachers, many of whom allege that they are overworked, underpaid, and denied basic professional dignity.
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Teachers working in some of Srinagar’s well-known educational institutions claim that despite charging hefty annual fees from students, school managements continue to pay meagre salaries to teaching staff, forcing many educators to struggle financially even after years of service.
Several teachers, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, said the salary packages offered by some reputed schools are “shockingly low” compared to the workload and expectations imposed on them.
“One hears big names and assumes teachers must be earning respectable salaries, but the reality is completely different,” said a female teacher working at a prominent private school in Srinagar.
“We are made to work from early morning till afternoon. Apart from classes, there are assignments, reports, events, meetings, and constant pressure from management. Yet the salary is less than what many labourers earn in a month.”
Another teacher said the glamour attached to prestigious schools often hides the “silent exploitation” taking place within staff rooms.
“Parents pay thousands in monthly tuition fees, but teachers hardly get a fair share,” he said. “Some of us are earning between Rs 12,000 and Rs 15,000 despite being highly qualified. In today’s times, this amount is not enough even for basic survival.”
Teachers alleged that many institutions prioritise maintaining infrastructure and marketing standards while ignoring staff welfare. Some claimed they are discouraged from discussing salaries publicly and are often threatened with replacement if they raise concerns.
“There is always fear because jobs are limited,” another educator said. “Management knows that unemployed youth are desperately looking for work, so teachers are easily replaceable in their eyes,” she said, requesting anonymity.
Educationists believe the issue reflects a broader crisis in the private education sector, where institutions operate with little oversight regarding employee welfare. They said that while schools demand professionalism and discipline from teachers, there is inadequate regulation ensuring fair wages and humane working conditions.
A senior academic from Srinagar said teachers form the backbone of the education system and deserve respect both socially and financially.
“If a school can afford expensive infrastructure, transport fleets, and massive publicity campaigns, it should also ensure decent salaries for its teachers,” he said. “Quality education cannot come from an exhausted and financially distressed workforce.”
The growing resentment among teachers has sparked quiet discussions across Srinagar’s private education sector, with many educators now demanding transparent salary structures, timely increments, and better working conditions.
For many teachers, however, speaking openly remains difficult.
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“We continue because we love teaching,” one teacher remarked softly, “but passion alone cannot pay bills.”
