In a significant move, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has sanctioned the appointment of Ashok Kumar Sharma, Director of School Education, Jammu, as the Inquiry Officer to investigate allegations of misconduct against Ajay Kumar Sharma, a retired Principal.
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This decision is encapsulated in Government Order No. 225-JK (Edu) of 2024, issued on May 16, 2024. The appointment is made under Rule 33(4) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 1956. The inquiry is mandated to address numerous complaints regarding the conduct of the retired Principal, Ajay Kumar Sharma, who is currently under suspension.
According to the order, Ashok Kumar Sharma is tasked with conducting a thorough inquiry and submitting a detailed report, along with recommendations, to the Administrative Department within 15 days. This prompt timeline underscores the urgency and seriousness with which the government is approaching the matter. Furthermore, the order designates Abhishake Abrol, Deputy Secretary of the School Education Department, as the Presenting Officer for the case. His role will be crucial in ensuring that the proceedings are carried out efficiently and transparently.
Dr. Piyush Singla, the Administrative Secretary of the School Education Department, signed the order, reflecting the government’s commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within the educational system. This investigation is expected to set a precedent for handling such cases in the future, emphasizing the importance of due process and the rule of law. The education community and the general public are keenly awaiting the findings of this inquiry, which will be crucial in determining the next steps.
Key Allegations Against Ajay Kumar Sharma
Ajay Kumar Sharma is accused of being corrupt, negligent, and undisciplined. He allegedly considers himself above the law, resulting in his previous suspension for six months in 2017 due to insubordination (G.O No: 289-Edu of 2017). He was reinstated on November 22, 2017 (G.O No: 946-Edu of 2017).
Misappropriation of Funds: The principal allegedly misappropriated significant sums from various school funds, including building, games, library security, social activity, and poor fund, amounting to lakhs of rupees.
Cheating and Extortion: He reportedly extorted large amounts from students by forming committees to collect absentee fines and printing charges, particularly from 11th and 12th-grade students during the 2018 and 2019 academic years. The absentee fine for the 2017-18 session, collected by Lecturer Tarsem Singh, was handed over to Sharma with no record of its proper use or deposition in the treasury.
Public Funds Misuse: He allegedly misappropriated funds collected from the public of Khour, who contributed cash awards for student performance during national festivals like Independence Day (August 15) and Republic Day (January 26).
Unauthorized Use of School Resources: In 2018, Sharma and his family purportedly went on an army-sponsored Sadhbhavna Bharat Darshan tour without seeking necessary permissions, misusing school resources.
Disrespectful Conduct: He is accused of removing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s portrait from his office, an act perceived as casteist and disrespectful.
Irregular Attendance and Negligence: The principal’s own attendance and punctuality were notably poor, with records showing he signed the punctuality register infrequently, especially during the 2020 lockdown. Photostats of reinstatement orders and attendance logs highlight these discrepancies.
Neglect of Duties: From February to November 2020, Sharma reportedly attended school only three times—on May 23, September 25, and October 19—neglecting his responsibilities. His absenteeism was verified through his cell phone’s location data and the school register.
As the inquiry unfolds, it remains to be seen what impact the findings will have on the broader educational landscape in Jammu and Kashmir. This case is a reminder of the critical need for transparency and accountability in public service. The community eagerly anticipates the conclusions of this investigation, which are expected to uphold the integrity of the educational system.
A three-member committee headed by the Principal of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Jammu, including the Head of Department at DIET Jammu and a Lecturer in English at DIET Jammu, was appointed as inquiry officers to investigate the aforementioned allegations against Ajay Kumar Sharma. Following a thorough review, the committee, via document number DIET/J/165 dated June 10, 2021, recommended an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) inquiry.
