Despite rumblings by Minister absent teachers marked as ‘present’
Throwing government directive to the wind, scores of teachers recruited under Prime Minister’s special package in Kashmir are yet to resume their duties in their respective schools.
It may be recalled that the teachers had left the Valley post 2016 unrest that erupted in wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahidin commander, Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 08.
The teachers were recruited under special employment package for Kashmiri Pandits in school education department.
“Scores of these teachers are absconding from their duties since 2016 unrest which has taken a toll on academics in government schools,” an official said.
The officials said over 450 teachers were recruited under special employment package in Anantnag district however, scores of teachers have not reported back to the department or their concerned Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs).
“The irony is that the department has already issued a circular for these teachers to report back to their schools but they are not abiding the order which is uncalled for. They are making excuses of security issues. Most of the teachers have returned but some didn’t obey the orders,” the official said.
On August 04, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) in its circular asked the migrant teachers to resume duties within week’s time “failing which disciplinary action will be taken against them.”
“More than a week passed but some teachers have not resumed duties violating the government orders,” the official said.
In its circular, DSEK had admitted that “whereabouts of such employees are not known to their respective DDOs who have put such employees on notice for resumption of their duties in the valley but to no avail.”
Pertinently, these employees have entered into an agreement with the school education department at the time of their initial engagement that they shall in no case ask for transfer from Kashmir and shall discharge their duties in the valley under all circumstances.
Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) G N Itoo said they are collecting the details of such teachers who have not resumed their duties.
“We will issue a last warning for them to resume their duties or department will initate action against them,” he said.
KV Correspondent
