Teachers Forum Criticizes ‘Bizarre’ Directives from CEO Bandipora

Bandipora, April 11: The Jammu & Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), Bandipora unit, has raised concerns over directives issued by the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Bandipora, calling them “bizarre, impractical and misaligned” with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

While the forum welcomed the CEO’s efforts to improve accountability and functioning within the education department, it flagged two key directions as problematic — the “10% staff on duty or leave” rule and the proposal for a “uniform MDM menu across zones.”

In a statement issued by District Spokesperson and General Secretary JKTF Bandipora, Anjum Nisar, the forum said that the directive allowing only 10% of the staff to be on duty or leave in a single day lacks contextual awareness.

“How can such a rule apply to schools with only two or three teachers? It either denies basic leave rights or renders multi-grade classrooms unmanageable,” the statement read.

Calling the directive “illogical and unworkable,” the forum urged the CEO’s office to adopt a flexible, school-specific approach that empowers ZEOs and headmasters to manage attendance and leave schedules based on ground realities.

The Teachers Forum also expressed strong reservations about the proposed implementation of a uniform mid-day meal (MDM) menu across each zone, stating that it goes against the spirit of NEP 2020.

“The NEP promotes diversity, local food cultures, and community participation in meal planning. Imposing a one-size-fits-all menu disregards cultural and dietary variations, local ingredient availability, and seasonal needs,” said Anjum Nisar.

The Forum recommended that School Management Committees, health officials, and local stakeholders be involved in creating flexible, inclusive MDM plans tailored to student needs, ensuring both nutrition and student engagement.

“We are not against reforms — we stand for meaningful reforms that are child-centric, teacher-respecting, and practically achievable. But policies must be designed in consultation with those who work on the ground,” the statement concluded.

The JKTF Bandipora appealed to the CEO to review and revise the directives in consultation with educators and grassroots representatives to ensure alignment with national policy and local realities.