Jr Sheikh Tariq
Poonch:- In a significant move towards educational reform, the School Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a landmark order withdrawing the powers of attachments and deployments of teachers from Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs). This action follows a compelling letter from Ayaz Mughal, a Social Activist, addressed to the Principal Secretary of the School Education Department, Sh. Alok Kumar.
Ayaz Mughal, in his letter (Ref: AI/Gen/2024/004 dated July 29, 2024), highlighted the persistent misuse of the powers of rationalization, which had been delegated to Principals and Cluster Heads. Mughal’s concerns centered on the arbitrary and often detrimental attachments and deployments of teaching and non-teaching staff, which he argued were compromising the quality and stability of education in the region. He urged the Principal Secretary to revoke these powers to ensure a more accountable and transparent system.
In his letter, Mughal emphasized, “Despite the assurances of increased accountability and transparency post-Article 370 abrogation, a closer examination reveals a stark contrast between the promises made and the reality on the ground.” He pointed out that many teachers were exploiting loopholes to secure positions in offices rather than fulfilling their teaching duties, thereby adversely affecting students’ education.
Government Order No. 304-JK(Edu) of 2024, dated August 1, 2024, marks a decisive response to these concerns. The order states:
“In partial modification to Government Order No. 2173-JK(Edu) of 2022 dated 01.12.2022, it is ordered that the powers of rationalization delegated to Principal(s)/Cluster Head(s) is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect and henceforth shall be exercised by the Joint Directors, with the prior approval of respective Director(s).”
This change centralizes the authority for staff rationalization to the Joint Directors, requiring them to seek approval from the respective Directors, thereby ensuring a higher level of oversight and reducing the potential for misuse.
“No rationalization/internal arrangement/deployment/attachment of teaching/non-teaching staff shall be made by the Chief Education Officers/Zonal Education Officers, henceforth. Any deviation of this order reported, the erring officer(s) shall be dealt strictly under law.”
This strict directive aims to eliminate unauthorized staff movements and enforces strict legal consequences for any officers found violating the order.
The issuance of this order has been hailed as a historic moment in the education sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Ayaz Mughal expressed his gratitude to Principal Secretary Alok Kumar for acknowledging his concerns and taking decisive action. In his statement, Mughal said:
“My continuous efforts and endeavors are finally bearing fruit. However, we still have a long way to go. The struggle continues, and we must work to reform the education system.”
