In a significant development from Doda district of Jammu Kashmir, a teacher has been suspended for allegedly disclosing confidential information and criticizing government policies, according to officials on Saturday.
The suspension of Grade-II teacher Fiaz Ahmed came after a video surfaced earlier this week showing the poor condition of the Government Middle School Draman in Bhatyas zone. The video, which went viral on social media, depicted Ahmed discussing the inadequate facilities, the potential dangers to students, and the lack of staff to manage the school’s eight classes.
Confirming the suspension, Chief Education Officer (Doda), Prakash Lal Thappa, stated that the department had requested a detailed project report (DPR) from the relevant authorities to address the school’s condition.
“Fiaz Ahmed was suspended on Friday. A DPR has been requested from the Public Works Department for the immediate repair of the school building,” Thappa explained.
He added that the suspension was prompted by the viral video, in which Ahmed failed to prevent an unauthorized person from entering the school premises and subsequently shared confidential information while criticizing policies such as ‘Digital India,’ and various educational reforms, which goes against service protocols.
The suspension order, issued on Friday, indicated that the teacher had been given until June 6 to explain his actions, but his response was deemed unsatisfactory. As a result, Ahmed was placed under suspension pending further investigation. During this period, he will be attached to Higher Secondary School Chanti.
A two-member committee, comprising principals from Higher Secondary School (Girls) Thathri and Sartingal, has been assigned to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged breach of government regulations by Ahmed. They are expected to submit their findings and recommendations within 21 days.
Local residents expressed their concerns, noting that the school, which has over 100 students enrolled, is severely understaffed with only four teachers, one of whom has not been fulfilling their duties for the past four years.
Despite being upgraded to a middle school over a decade ago, the school’s additional classrooms remain incomplete, forcing students to use the old, dilapidated building, which poses a serious risk to their safety.
Ahmed stated that the issue had been raised with the Zonal Education Officer multiple times. He highlighted that one teacher had been neglecting their duties, while another, responsible for accounts, left only two teachers available for teaching.