Controversial teachers’ attachment in Poonch Spark Calls for Administrative Reforms
The CEO of Poonch has clarified that the recent teacher attachments, which have raised
concerns regarding
procedural violations, were carried out under the direct instructions of the Education Minister.
jj correspondent
Poonch, Mar 23: The education system in Poonch district is embroiled in a growing controversy following reports that the Chief Education Officer (CEO) has been issuing verbal orders that supersede official policies, leading to questionable teacher transfers and attachments. This unsettling development has raised alarms regarding the integrity and transparency of the district’s educational administration.
The root of the issue lies in the stark contrast between official orders and the recent practice of teacher attachments carried out on verbal instructions. On February 6, 2025, CEO Poonch issued an official order (No. CEO/P/4854-988) mandating the cancellation of all teacher attachments, with the aim of ensuring a fair distribution of teaching staff across schools. However, in what appears to be a direct violation of this order, new teacher attachments have been executed based solely on verbal directions from the CEO. These decisions have been made without any official documentation or proper justification, raising serious questions about the process.
Among those transferred under these unofficial directives are Shamim Akhter, previously teaching at GPS Nalla in Zone Kanuyian, now reassigned to Govt. Middle School Dungus in Zone Poonch; Adil Hamid, formerly posted at HSS Sawjian, now relocated to Higher Secondary Girls Poonch; and Shaida Kouser, who was teaching in Zone Surankote and has now been moved to Middle School Rani Sirmori in Poonch. Several other teachers have similarly found themselves reassigned, but the lack of official paperwork or formal orders has sparked concerns about the legitimacy and fairness of these actions.
The situation becomes even more troubling when examining the stark disparities in transfer patterns. Some teachers have remained at remote schools for years, often enduring grueling commutes of up to 70 km daily. Meanwhile, others have been transferred to schools just a few kilometers away from their homes. If these transfers are justified on the grounds of medical conditions or physical disabilities, they must be subject to strict scrutiny to ensure that such exemptions are only granted to genuinely deserving individuals. A selective application of these exemptions breeds resentment and undermines confidence in the system, according to Advocate Ajit Verma, a local legal expert.
The ongoing practice of overriding official policies with verbal instructions presents a dangerous precedent for administrative governance, where rules are no longer binding and discretion reigns supreme. This risks eroding the public’s trust in the educational system, potentially paving the way for arbitrary decisions and favoritism that could undermine the very foundation of fairness and accountability.
In light of these concerns, the local community and education advocates are calling for urgent intervention from higher authorities. The Deputy Commissioner of Poonch, the Directorate of School Education Jammu, and the Education Minister of Jammu & Kashmir are urged to investigate these irregularities and take decisive action to restore integrity to the education system.
When contacted for comment, the CEO of Poonch defended the recent transfers, stating that Shaida Kouser’s move was carried out on direct instructions from the Education Minister, Madam Sakina Itoo. As for Shamim Akhter and Adil Hamid, the CEO explained that their transfers were made on medical grounds and were intended to be temporary for a few weeks. However, this justification only raises further questions about the lack of official documentation and written directives to support such claims.
Critics argue that this reliance on verbal orders without formal records creates a dangerous loophole that opens the door for abuse, favoritism, and inconsistent decision-making. Such practices not only compromise administrative transparency but also undermine the credibility of the education system as a whole.
The people of Poonch deserve an education system that operates on the principles of fairness, equity, and accountability. It is now crucial for the authorities to address these concerns, ensure adherence to official protocols, and restore public faith in the administration. Only through transparency and reform can the education system in Poonch regain its integrity and serve the best interests of all its stakeholders.
