MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has suspended 126 teachers over alleged misconduct, including chronic absenteeism and unauthorized foreign travel without mandatory no-objection certificates (NOCs) from relevant departments.

The suspended educators include 68 female and 55 male elementary school teachers, as well as one senior female and two senior male teachers.

Disciplinary action under the Efficiency and Discipline Rules has been initiated and inquiry officers have been appointed to oversee the proceedings following recommendations from district education officers, divisional directors, and directors of public instruction for both male and female departments, said Razzaq Ahmed Nadeem, secretary for elementary and secondary education.

Talking to Dawn on Thursday, he said the move aligned with the vision and directives of Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education Deevan Ali Khan Chughtai.

According to him, records of absentee staff from educational institutions across the state were collected and reviewed as part of a comprehensive effort to ensure accountability and quality in education.

“Reward and punishment are essential for strengthening administrative structures. Negligence, irresponsibility, and absenteeism will not be tolerated. Reforms in the department can only be achieved through a fair system of accountability,” Mr Nadeem maintained.

He asserted that his secretariat was taking stringent measures to enforce adherence to government policies, particularly regarding the attendance of principals, headteachers, and subordinate faculty, to improve the overall performance and outcomes of public sector institutions.

Previously, three senior female teachers were dismissed from service for confirmed absenteeism, forgery, tampering with records, and traveling abroad without the required NOC, he said.

“Enforcing strict accountability for those who neglect their duties will set the department on a path toward improvement and elevate educational standards,” Mr Nadeem added.

Meanwhile, the public has largely welcomed this large-scale disciplinary action, expressing optimism that it will lead to significant improvements in public sector education.

“After a long time, we are witnessing much-needed action from the education department to tackle absenteeism, which often results in regular teachers appointing proxies for a nominal remuneration,” wrote renowned Kashmiri social and political activist Naila Altaf Kayani on social media, referring to what is commonly known in AJK as “thaika system.”

“We hope the inquiry will be conducted impartially, and those found guilty are permanently removed to cleanse the department of those whose actions, rather than fostering positive values, teach dishonesty to students,” she added.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2024