Amid accountability crisis, SED plans major reshuffle in DIETs

Srinagar, Nov 9: The School Education Department (SED) is set to undertake a major reshuffle in the District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) after years of poor performance, growing allegations of favouritism, and an accountability crisis that has eroded the original purpose of these key teacher training institutions.

Officials said the move follows repeated internal reviews showing that DIETs, which are meant to serve as the backbone of teacher training and academic research, have failed to deliver meaningful outcomes in both areas.

Education Minister Sakina Itoo confirmed that the government will soon seek detailed information about all teaching faculty currently posted in DIETs and the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to assess their tenure and performance.

“It is a fact that the performance of these institutes has remained poor. I will seek details from the Secretary of the School Education Department about the tenure of teachers posted in DIETs and SCERT,” Itoo told Greater Kashmir.

Sources in the department said the government intends to evaluate each teacher, master, and lecturer based on their contribution to teacher training programs and academic research over the past several years. Those found to have underperformed or overstayed are likely to be repatriated to schools.

A senior official in the department said that political and personal influence have long dictated postings in DIETs. “For years, deputations to DIETs have been made on influence rather than merit or suitability. This has undermined accountability and turned these institutions into comfortable postings rather than hubs of training and innovation,” the official said.

He added that such favouritism has created a “culture of immunity.”

“Whenever questions are raised, some staff are shifted temporarily to other offices, only to be reinstated quietly a few weeks later. This practice has destroyed the credibility of DIETs,” the official said.

The problem, officials admit, extends beyond DIETs to SCERT, where many teachers and lecturers have remained on deputation for years without any fixed tenure. “Once a teacher is posted to SCERT or a DIET, they rarely return to schools. Many of them enjoy special privileges, frequently travelling within and outside J&K on official expenses, while their core responsibilities are ignored,” the official said.

The DIETs were originally created to design and conduct teacher training programmes, assist schools academically, and help improve classroom teaching practices. However, insiders say most DIETs have become administrative setups, detached from the ground realities of education.

Complaints have also surfaced that some deputed faculty members treat visiting school teachers poorly during training sessions, further widening the disconnect between field educators and academic trainers.

Education Minister Sakina Itoo acknowledged these shortcomings, describing the state of DIETs as “deeply concerning.”

“It is always surprising that despite their poor performance, every teacher wants to be deputed to these institutions,” she said. “We will soon streamline the system and ensure accountability so that these institutes return to their intended role — improving the quality of education in our schools.”