In a major crackdown against unauthorized absence of teaching staff, the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir has taken strict disciplinary action against errant teachers and school heads from multiple institutions.
Upper Primary School Matoo Mohalla: During a surprise inspection on May 11, 2024, the CEO found the Upper Primary School (UPS) Matoo Mohalla, with a teaching staff of 10 and student enrollment of 55, completely locked and deserted. Based on attendance records, it was discovered that eight teachers had marked their attendance in the morning but left without intimation.
Promptly acting on this dereliction of duty, the CEO issued an order placing these eight teachers under suspension with immediate effect. They have been attached to the same institution pending an inquiry. The two remaining teachers, who were marked absent, have been directed to explain their position within five days or face action under J&K Civil Services Rules.
Upper Primary School Kijae: In a similar incident, the CEO has also placed the teaching staff of the Upper Primary School in Kijae under suspension for unauthorized absence during school hours.
Government Middle School Bhatkoot: The headmaster of the Government Middle School in Bhatkoot, Zone Drabshalla, has been issued a show-cause notice for allegedly leaving the institution locked during school hours on May 11, 2024, without prior intimation.
The notice stated that a “serious matter” had come to the CEO’s notice regarding the school being found locked during school hours, “jeopardizing the education of our students.” The CEO’s office highlighted that this lack of communication and the headmaster’s departure without a valid reason “reflects a concerning lack of responsibility towards your duties, which is a clear violation of the J&K Employee Conduct rules.”
The headmaster has been directed to provide an explanation for their actions by May 13, 2024. Failure to do so will be construed as an admission of guilt, leading to disciplinary action as per rules. The headmaster of the High School in Drabshalla has also been instructed to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit a report by May 15, 2024.
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation across these incidents, the CEO’s office has stated that the absence of teaching staff “jeopardized the education of our students” and reflected an “irresponsible behavior and lackadaisical approach” towards legitimate duties, which is a violation of conduct rules.
A three-member committee comprising principals and zonal education officers has been constituted to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the UPS Matoo Mohalla case and submit a report with recommendations by May 20, 2024. The incidents have raised concerns about the accountability of educational authorities and the potential disruption to students’ education due to unauthorized absence of teaching staff in the region.
