Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Sept 22, 2025: A controversy has erupted in Bandipora after several teachers accused the Chief Education Office (CEO) of carrying out “midnight transfers” without formal orders, bypassing due process and transparency.

According to insiders, the transfers were effected by quietly altering teachers’ biometric attendance records, with no circulars or official communication issued. Many teachers only came to know about their new postings when they failed to log in at their original schools.

“It wasn’t even mentioned in the ZEO or CEO WhatsApp groups. Everything was kept hidden,” said one of the affected teachers.

Among those shifted are Zahoor Ahmad Bhat from HS Laharwalpora to Meya Douban, Hafizullah Rather from GMS Lonepora to GMS Badibath, Shahid Ahmad Wani from HSS Aloosa to GMS Phelipora Bonkoot, Jawaid Jawad from GMS Onagam to HS Laharwalpora, and Abdul Hameed Ganie from MS Tangath to GPS Dardgund.

Teachers argued that had these transfers been aimed at plugging staff shortages, they would not have opposed them. Instead, the reshuffle has left several schools overstaffed while remote institutions struggle. For example, MS Tangath—serving nearly 200 students—now has only six teachers, while PS Dardgund, with just 60 students, already accommodates three.

“This isn’t about rationalisation. It looks like a chain of mutual adjustments, not need-based transfers,” another teacher alleged.

Staff members accused the CEO office of shielding some teachers who have remained in one zone for nearly a decade, while others—often senior teachers—are repeatedly moved.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThey also alleged that harassment and monetary considerations influence postings, despite clear directions from the Directorate of School Education against mid-session transfers.

Speaking to Kashmir Convener, CEO Bandipora Altaf Hussain Tara defended the move as an “administrative requirement,” but declined to share details. “We cannot disclose everything; certain matters are official secrets,” he said, a remark that further fueled suspicions among staff.

Teachers also expressed concern over repeated manipulations of Smart Attendance records, claiming that such changes are often followed by demands for bribes to reverse orders.

“What’s wrong in publicly stating the reasons for urgent transfers? If it was truly about shortage, we’d accept it. But this isn’t the case,” said a teacher from Quilmuqam.

Senior educators highlighted that many continue to serve in tough rural locations without respite, while others manage to secure favourable postings through influence, undermining morale and student outcomes.

Teachers have demanded an impartial probe, freezing of all transfers until then, restoration of balance in staff strength, and rollback of unauthorised biometric updates. They have also called for strict adherence to rotation policies, greater transparency through a public portal for all transfer orders, and accountability for officials involved.

Appealing to the Lieutenant Governor, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, and Director of School Education, a group of teachers urged immediate intervention to restore fairness and credibility in the system.(KNS)