Rajouri Education Department Ignores Minister’s Orders — Allegations of Misconduct and Non-Compliance Surface

Rajouri, 10 .August 2025:

Five organisations of the Education Department in Rajouri district have jointly submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Education Minister demanding the immediate replacement of the Nodal Officer and Assistant Nodal Officer of the JK Smart Attendance App.

The memorandum highlights that the present Nodal Officer, having been promoted to Principal, is unable to devote time to additional responsibilities. The Assistant Nodal Officer, a teacher by profession, is accused of using abusive and unparliamentary language towards teachers seeking technical assistance.

After reviewing the matter, the Hon’ble Minister directed the State Project Director (SPD) to relieve the Assistant Nodal Officer immediately. However, despite these clear instructions, the SPD has not acted, allowing the officer to continue in the post without fulfilling her duties. The organisations have demanded an inquiry into her last three years of attendance and mobile location records.

Hundreds of teachers, including Headmasters, ZEOs, and Principals, have lodged complaints with the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Rajouri regarding her conduct. The complainants question the special privileges shielding her from action and the reasons for the CEO’s inaction.

The organisations further pointed out that the Director of School Education Jammu, via Order No. DSEJ/Gen/19013-30 dated 08/08/2024, clearly instructed that no teacher—either at district or zonal level—should be assigned portal duties, and such responsibilities must be handed over to the senior-most officials as per guidelines. This order remains unimplemented in Rajouri, with neither the CEO nor SPD JKUT ensuring compliance.

Serious concerns have also been raised regarding the Assistant Nodal Officer’s husband, who was moved from Middle School Arrgee (Zone Baljrallan) to GMS Jawar Nagar in January 2025 as a coordinator for the Dharti Abba Scheme. Although the scheme ended in February, he continues to mark attendance at Middle School Jawar Nagar while reportedly spending time at the CEO’s office or at home. Verification of his mobile location and attendance for the past six months has been demanded.

Multiple officials, including the Assistant Commissioner Rajouri,Principal DIET Rajouri, Cluster Head BHSS Rajouri, and ZEO Rajouri, have directed him to resume duty at his original place of posting. Despite these instructions, and government orders to relieve all deployed or deputed staff, he has failed to comply.

All relevant documentary evidence supporting these allegations is available with the concerned organisations for verification.