ADC Handwara orders surprise inspection of schools over unauthorised absence of teachers during office hours

Baramulla, April 16: In a surprising development, the authorities in district administration Kupwara have stated that teachers do not remain present in their schools after marking their attendance in morning hours.

In the wake of this, the Additional Deputy Commissioner Handwara on April 15 of 2025 issued circular instructions to all the Cluster Heads and Zonal Education Officers to conduct surprise inspection of schools in their jurisdiction, to curb the practice and ensure the presence of teaching staff in schools during working hours.

"It has come to our notice through various complaints and field reports that certain Government school teachers, after marking their attendance In the morning hours do not remain present in their respective Institutions during the school hours," the circular reads.

It reads that the teachers are reportedly seen engaged in other activities during school time, "which is highly unbecoming of the responsibilities entrusted to them and detrimental to the academic interest of the students."

"In order to curb this practice and ensure the presence of teaching staff in schools during working hours, it is hereby directed that All Cluster Heads and Zonal Education Officers (ZE0s) of the Handwara Sub-Division shall conduct regular and surprise inspections of the Government schools under their jurisdiction, especially post 11am on all working days," the circular reads.

The inspecting officers have been asked to maintain a proper record of their visits and submit a brief inspection report on a weekly basis to the office of the ADC Handwara. "All Tehsildars of the Handwara Sub Division are also directed to inspect the government schools within their respective areas from time to time and report discrepancies, if any, in teacher attendance and presence during school hours," the circular reads.

ADC Handwara has warned of strict action against any teaching staff found absent from the school without proper permission during working hours, as per the norms and service rules in place.