CEOs, school heads, teachers among 1698 employees found 'missing' during working hours

Baramulla, Sept 04: In a startling revelation, as many as 1698 employees of the School Education Department (SED) including CEOs and ZEOs and teachers of north Kashmir districts were found missing during working hours.

The names of non teaching employees also figure in the list of the absent employees. All these employees were found absent from duties on September 1 of 2025, as spotted by Attendance online App.

The absenteeism of teaching staff and senior officials during official hours has raised serious concerns on the accountability of employees in SED.

As per the data collected from the Attendance App names of 2097 employees- Baramulla (1076), Bandipora (238) and Kupwara (783) were found among the late comers.

Also, names of 65 employees- Baramulla (49), Bandipora (six) and Kupwara (10), figured among those who do early check-out from their duties.

Notably, the Jammu and Kashmir Government earlier introduced JK The Attendance App to curb the chronic absenteeism and ensure that teachers, officials and other non-teaching staff serve in the schools and respective offices without resorting to any unfair means. However, despite digital intervention, the punctuality of employees is yet to be seen, as depicted by Attendance App.

In wake of this, the Joint Director (North Kashmir) has served a notice to all the absent employees and sought their explanation as well.

“It has been observed from the JK Attendance records of September 1 of 2025 that a number of employees under your control have been found absent, reporting late or leaving the institutions early. The list of such employees is enclosed herewith for ready reference," an official communication issued to CEO Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora reads.

"You are hereby directed to call an explanation to the concerned in respect of these irregularities. A detailed report must reach this office within three days," the communication reads.

It reads that the facility of "On Duty and Auto Check-Out" is being misused at large.

"The attendance of such officials is under close observation and if this practice continues, a list of frequent erring officials will be shared for strict disciplinary action," the communication reads.

The CEOs have been advised to ensure strict compliance of the attendance guidelines in letter and spirit.