Bandipora, April 4: The Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Hajin is facing criticism from sections of the teaching fraternity over a recent list of deployments issued under the banner of “rationalisation,” with allegations that the exercise amounts to routine transfers carried out without prior approval.
As per government norms, rationalisation is meant to address disparities in staffing by shifting teachers from surplus schools to those facing shortages, thereby improving the Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) and ensuring equitable distribution of staff. The government has barred ZEOs and Chief Education Officers (CEOs) from effecting transfers without prior sanction from higher authorities.
However, teachers claim that the latest orders do not reflect a genuine rationalisation process. According to the list reviewed by Kashmir Convener, three teachers each from MS Bakshibal, MS Banyari Garbi and MS Chandergeer, along with four teachers from MS Check Chandergeer, have been deputed to other schools. At the same time, teachers from other institutions have been posted to these very schools, allegedly maintaining the PTR without substantially addressing staff shortages elsewhere.
“Where is the rationalisation in these schools?” questioned a group of teachers. “This appears to be a reshuffle rather than a targeted move to support staff-starved institutions.”
In another instance, the Headmaster of Government Middle School (GMS) Paribal, who is reportedly nearing retirement, has been shifted to MS Hajin, while a teacher from High School GundJahangir has been posted to GMS Paribal. Critics argue that such adjustments defeat the core objective of rationalisation.
Further, sources pointed to a case in which a teacher was transferred from MS Gulshanabad to MS Eidgahpora Madwan, while a teacher from MS Chandergeer was shifted to MS Gulshanabad. Official sources said the deputation in one case was later cancelled, with the teacher continuing at MS Gulshanabad, after which another teacher from MS Chandergeer was later transferred to MS Bakshibal by way of shifting his attendance without any formal order.
A teacher who was attached to PS Pethpora GundJahangir by the CEO Bandipora two months ago following disciplinary action over alleged misconduct has now been brought back to GMS Prang by the ZEO Hajin, reportedly without obtaining approval from the CEO. The move has raised serious questions about administrative propriety, double standards, and adherence to established procedures.
Locals and teachers have alleged that the pattern of postings has raised suspicions about the functioning of the ZEO office. Some have gone so far as to allege possible irregularities and misuse of authority, though no documentary evidence has been made public to substantiate claims of corruption.
“This is not rationalisation; this is transfer in disguise,” said a senior teacher, adding that bypassing prescribed procedures raises administrative and legal concerns.
Teachers speaking on condition of anonymity said the process lacked transparency and did not appear to be guided strictly by enrollment data or surplus-deficit calculations. “If rationalisation was the objective, surplus schools should have been clearly identified and staff moved to genuinely staff-starved institutions. Instead, some postings seem arbitrary,” one teacher said.
The move has reportedly triggered resentment among teachers across the zone, with demands for intervention by higher authorities and a comprehensive review of the orders. Several teachers have called for rollback of what they describe as “arbitrary and unjustified” decisions.
They warn that if such practices go unchecked, it could undermine transparency and efficiency in the education system in Bandipora district and open space for unhealthy precedents.
Despite mounting criticism, no official clarification had been issued by the ZEO Hajin at the time of filing this report.
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