Boys Pahari Hostel witnessing illegality!

Controversial appointment of RET teacher as ‘Assistant Warden’ raises questions in Rajouri

jj correspondent
Rajouri, Mar 11: How is it possible for a RET (Rehbar-e-Taleem) teacher, Mohd Shakeel Khan, to be appointed as the Assistant Warden of Pahari Hostel (Boys), Rajouri? What forces or individuals are behind this apparent violation, resulting in the appointment of a RET teacher to a non-teaching position? Was this decision a mere oversight, or a carefully orchestrated maneuver, possibly influenced from external quarters and executed within Rajouri? Why was such a blatant violation allowed by the then Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, Vikas Kundal? Why is a RET teacher choosing to become an Assistant Warden? Is he not deceiving his community, for which he was appointed to teach children, by now choosing not to fulfill that responsibility? These questions are not just a matter of curiosity; they strike at the core of transparency and accountability within the administration. It is high time that the concerned authorities come forward and provide clarity on this matter, addressing the concerns that are clearly resonating among the public.
A glaring case of administrative violation has surfaced in Rajouri, where Mohd Shakeel Khan, a RET (Rehbar-e-Taleem) teacher, was appointed as Assistant Warden at the Boys Pahari Hostel in Rajouri, despite the fact that such appointments are not in line with the existing guidelines. At the time of his appointment, Khan was posted at Government Middle School in the Rajdhani Zone of Manjakote.
As per the established norms, RET teachers are designated to a specific institution and are not eligible for transfer to other institutions, making his placement as Assistant Warden a clear breach of protocol. The guidelines for RET teachers stipulate that they serve only in the school for which they are appointed and do not have the option to be transferred, unlike regular teachers who can be reassigned within the district.
What has raised further eyebrows is the involvement of the ‘District Level Screening Committee,’ headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, which recommended four candidates, including Mohd Shakeel Khan, for the posts of Warden and Assistant Warden in a meeting held on October 18, 2023 vide No. DCR/2023-24/GS/691. The very same day, the then Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, Vikas Kundal, issued an order for the deputation of these candidates, with the dispatch numbers of both orders being sequential, No DCR/2023-24/GS/692. This raises suspicions of a coordinated effort to hastily push through this controversial appointment, signaling potential outside influence in the decision-making process.
Adding to the complexity of this case, Khan was later promoted to the position of Master as per the norms of the School Education Department. On January 4, 2025, the Director of School Education Jammu issued a promotion list for the Rajouri district, where Khan was listed at serial number 147 and posted to Higher Secondary School, Manjakote. Despite joining his new position on January 7, 2025, Khan has continued to hold his post as Assistant Warden at the Boys Pahari Hostel, raising questions about his reluctance to relinquish the hostel duties.
In another development, meanwhile, the Chief Education Officer of Rajouri issued an order on January 3, 2025 vide his office No CEOR/Gen/2024-25/25737-40, directing Mohd Shakeel Khan, to continue overseeing the affairs of the Boys Pahari Hostel until further notice. The Warden of the hostel had superannuated on December 31, 2024, and the order was issued to ensure the continuity of management. However, this decision has drawn criticism, as an RET teacher, who is not eligible for such a position, continues to manage the hostel, despite his official role as a teacher.
There are reports suggesting that certain influential figures in the district, including two MLAs, have supported Khan’s appointment as Warden, further fueling suspicions of political maneuvering in the case. However, it is expected that Deputy Chief Minister Surrinder Choudhary, who hails from Rajouri, will ensure that no illegal or improper practices are allowed to take place in his home district. Known for his commitment to ethical governance, Choudhary is expected to act swiftly if any irregularities come to his attention, preventing any further misuse of power.
The situation has raised critical questions regarding transparency and accountability within the administration, with the local public now demanding answers. It is imperative that the concerned authorities provide clarity on how such a blatant violation of rules was allowed to take place and address the concerns raised by the community about the fairness of such appointments. The matter continues to unfold, and many are waiting to see what action, if any, will be taken to resolve this issue.