ZEO Urges CEO Anantnag for Strict Action, Citing Concerns

By Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag,o8 Nov: A headmaster at Middle School Achabal has allegedly violated departmental norms by allowing girl students to participate in a program outside the Union Territory (UT) without obtaining official approval.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Anantnag, the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Achabal reported that during a routine school inspection on November 6, 2024, it was discovered that the headmaster had deputed two students and one Rehbar-e-Khel (ReK) teacher to participate in a Kashmiri Exchange Program in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, without prior departmental authorization.

The letter stated: “During my inspection visit to MS Achabal, I learned that the institution had sent two students and one ReK teacher for the program, as indicated by a deputation order dated November 2, 2024 (Reference No. MSA/699/24). The program is scheduled from November 5, 2024, to November 19, 2024.”

According to the ZEO, the order was issued by the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and addressed directly to the Headmaster of MS Achabal, bypassing standard departmental procedures. This action is considered a serious breach of protocol, as the headmaster did not seek the necessary departmental endorsement before approving the deputation.

“This raises significant concerns about accountability,” the letter continued. “If, God forbid, anything happens to these students, who will be held responsible for this lapse? The absence of proper authorization not only compromises student safety but also sets a concerning precedent of ignoring established departmental norms. Strict action must be taken against those responsible to prevent future violations, and the matter should be escalated to the Department of Youth Services & Sports.”

Speaking on the matter, CEO Anantnag confirmed that an inquiry team has been formed to investigate the issue. “If the officer is found guilty, appropriate action will be taken,” the CEO stated.