Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Sept 11: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir has strictly prohibited the unauthorized practice of early dispersal of students or half-day functioning on the last working day of every month, directing schools across North Kashmir to adhere to prescribed timings without any deviation.
In a circular issued by Joint Director North Hakeem Tanveer Ahmad (JKAS), a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS stated that, the department said the matter had come to its notice and had also been observed during visits to various schools in Bandipora, Baramulla and Kupwara.
The circular stated that the practice of observing an unauthorized “half-day” on the last day of every month was strictly prohibited, emphasizing that the last working day of the month is a regular working day and all prescribed school timings must be followed in letter and spirit.
“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 said such practices result in the loss of valuable instructional time, adversely affect the academic interests of students and reflect a serious lapse in the proper discharge of official duties.
It further observed that during such curtailed hours, students may be left without meaningful academic engagement, while staff may indulge in activities not connected with their assigned duties.
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 forthwith and that schools function strictly as per the prescribed timings on the last working day of every month as well as on all other working days.
The Heads of Institutions have been made personally responsible for ensuring proper attendance of staff and students, effective utilization of instructional time and adherence to prescribed school timings.
The department warned that any instance of unauthorized early dispersal of students or deliberate curtailment 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 ensure effective monitoring of compliance through inspections and surprise visits.
The circular further directed that any violation noticed during such monitoring be reported to the office of the Joint Director North immediately, along with the names and designations of the officials responsible, for initiation of necessary action.
The instructions, issued have been ordered to be complied with strictly and without fail. (JKNS)
