DSEK Proposes, CEO Bandipora Disposes Teachers Defy DSEK’s Transfer Order; CEO Accused of Providing Cover

Convener News Desk

Bandipora, June 10: The Chief Education Officer (CEO) Bandipora has come under fire yet again for allegedly defying transfer orders issued under the Directorate of School Education Kashmir’s (DSEK) Annual Transfer Drive (ATD), leaving several remote schools—especially in Gurez and Bandipora zone—critically understaffed.

According to official data, About 27 teachers were transferred to remote zones, including Gurez, under the ATD order dated May 26, 2025. However, only 2 to 3 teachers have reportedly joined their new postings. The remaining teachers—many believed to be enjoying political or bureaucratic patronage—have stayed back at their preferred schools with impunity, despite clear orders.

While those transferred from far-flung areas to more accessible locations were quick to assume their new roles, those posted in reverse—especially to tribal belts—have largely resisted.

Zonal Education Offices and the CEO Bandipora have failed to enforce the transfer directives, effectively defeating the purpose of the ATD initiative by DSEK Dr GN Itoo, aimed at rationalizing staffing and ensuring equitable education delivery across the district.

A glaring example includes a teacher transferred a mere five kilometers from Higher Secondary School Nadihal to Middle School Kudara.

Despite a relieving order being issued, the same was inexplicably put in abeyance within a day. CEO Office have since been scrambling to find a substitute for the Kudara posting instead of enforcing the original order.

In another incident, a Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teacher was forcibly asked to join MS Kudara as a stopgap measure. The teacher resisted, stating, “Why should I go there when the teacher officially posted under ATD is refusing to join? I’m not responsible for covering someone else’s transfer obligations.” His attendance was subsequently restored at his original post, further exposing the CEOs lack of writ over the department.

Same is the case with teachers who were transferred from BMS Gurdal to HSS Bdugaam Tulail, from GHS Nadihal to HSS Purana Tulail, BMS Gamroo to HS Kudara, from HS plan to HS kanzalwan, from BMS lankreshipora to MS Checkbahar, from GMS Watrina to HS Buduaab, from GMS Sogamiwudar to BMS Dawar, from BMS Nathpora to GMS Badwan, from Gps Panzigam to GHS wanpora but have not joined the new places of postings. However CEO Office, instead of Implementing Director’s Orders are in search of scapegoats to fill the gaps.

Teachers allege that “blue-eyed” staff within the CEO office, who were themselves subject to transfer under ATD, have refused to comply with the DSEK’s directives and are being protected. In what many see as a diversion tactic, the CEO office on June 1 circulated a Google Sheet to schools seeking details of General Line teachers’ tenures—presumably to identify replacements under the guise of rationalization.

On June 11, CEO Bandipora is scheduled to hold a meeting at Government High School Bagh to discuss staff rationalization on the instructions of the Joint Director of School Education (North). Teachers fear this will be another move to quietly fill vacancies created by ATD defiance, thereby “hoodwinking” the higher authorities.

“ATD was meant to ensure justice and equity, particularly for underserved zones like Gurez. But it’s being manipulated to shield those with influence,” said a senior teacher. “This selective compliance is deeply demoralizing.”

When Kashmir Convener takes up the matter with CEO Bandipora, he said it is not a reality. However when Kashmir Convener rebutted with the list of Teachers who have not joined new postings, CEO Bandipora refused to respond.