Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
The Directorate of School Education Kashmir has prohibited the unauthorised early dispersal of students and half-day functioning on the last working day of every month, directing schools across north Kashmir to strictly adhere to prescribed working hours.
The directive was issued through a circular by Joint Director, North Kashmir, Hakeem Tanveer Ahmad (JKAS), after the department noticed instances of schools curtailing working hours. The practice was also observed during visits to various institutions in Bandipora, Baramulla and Kupwara, the circular said.
The department made it clear that the last working day of every month is a regular working day and that schools must function according to the prescribed schedule.
“No Head of Institution or member of the staff shall curtail the instructional/working hours or disperse students before the prescribed closing time merely on the ground that it is the last day of the month,” the circular stated.
The department warned that unauthorised curtailment of school hours results in the loss of valuable instructional time and adversely affects students’ academic interests. It also described the practice as a serious lapse in the discharge of official duties.
According to the circular, shortened working hours can leave students without meaningful academic engagement, while staff may become involved in activities unrelated to their assigned responsibilities.
All Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers and Heads of Institutions in Bandipora, Baramulla and Kupwara have been directed to ensure that the practice is stopped immediately.
Schools have been instructed to adhere to prescribed timings not only on the last working day of each month but on all regular working days.
Heads of Institutions have been made personally responsible for ensuring proper attendance of staff and students, effective utilisation of instructional time and strict compliance with the prescribed schedule.
The department warned that any instance of unauthorised early dispersal or deliberate reduction of school hours would be viewed seriously.
“Any official found involved in, facilitating or permitting such unauthorized practice shall be liable for strict administrative/disciplinary action under the applicable rules, besides any other action warranted under the circumstances,” the circular stated.
The concerned Chief Education Officers and Zonal Education Officers have also been directed to closely monitor compliance through regular inspections and surprise visits.
Any violation detected during such inspections must be reported immediately to the office of the Joint Director, North Kashmir, along with the names and designations of the officials responsible, for initiation of appropriate action.
The department has directed all concerned authorities and institutions to comply with the instructions strictly and without fail.
