Unauthorized absenteeism DSEK terminates 30 teachers this year, 13 get pre-termination notice

The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has terminated as many as 30 teachers this year for remaining unauthorised absent from duties.

The education department has further issued pre-termination notices to 13 teachers.

Few teachers were terminated under Article 113 of the Jammu and Kashmir Service Rules (Volume I) of 1956. As per Article 113 of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Volume 1) after five years of continuous absence on leave, an officer is considered to be out of state employee.

While few teachers were terminated under the process of Article-128 Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Rules. 1958. Article-128 Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Rules, 1958 states that absence without leave or after the end of leave involves loss of appointment.

A senior official at the Directorate of School Education Kashmir told, “The department has been clear from day one over the unauthorised absence by the teachers. However, a chance is given to the teachers to put forth their comments on unauthorised absenteeism.

If they don’t come up with an answer then legal action is taken by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, official said.

Adding that he said, “In January 17 teachers were suspended for un-authorized absenteeism; 4 teachers in February; two teachers in March, 4 teachers in April and two were suspended in May”.

The official further said that the teachers that were terminated for unauthorised absenteeism were posted in Srinagar, Baramulla, Kupwara, Budgam and Kulgam. Adding that he said some of the suspended teachers were found absent without leaves; while others were continuously absent on leave for years.

At the same time, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir has also sent a pre-termination notice to 13 teachers, who have been given chance to provide statements in their defence. If they fail to explain their position, then they will be terminated too, the official said.