Srinagar, Feb 17 (KNS): The Principal Accountant General (Audit), Jammu and Kashmir, has flagged alleged irregularities in the attachment and detachment of teaching staff in Gurez area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, pointing to unauthorised deployments and salary payments amounting to Rs 5.14 crore.

 

According to the audit report dated August 9, 2025, Zone Dawar in Gurez — one of the most remote education zones in the Valley — is functioning with a shortage of teachers. Against a sanctioned strength of 479 posts, only 412 are in position, leaving 67 vacancies.

 

Despite the shortfall, 26 teachers were found attached outside their original places of posting. Of them, 10 were deployed without formal government orders, with attendance records shifted and salaries drawn from the treasury in alleged violation of rules, the report said.

 

The audit observed that Government Order No. 975-GAD of 2008 and subsequent circulars mandate that attachments require prior approval of the Administrative Department and that treasury officers must not release salaries without proper authorisation. These provisions were allegedly not adhered to.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

In one case, a Teacher Grade-II was deputed to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Srinagar for two months, but the attachment was extended till September 2025 without approval from the School Education Department, the report said.

 

Another teacher has remained attached to the Election Cell at Mini Secretariat Bandipora since March 2021 without administrative sanction, it added.

 

The report also cited violations of Circular No. 02-JK(Edu) of 2025, which directs strict regulation of deployment of teaching and non-teaching staff to maintain institutional stability.

 

The audit noted that irregular deployments have adversely impacted schools in Gurez, with several institutions operating with minimal staff and teachers handling multiple classes.

 

Official sources in Bandipora said similar practices were reported in other zones, alleging that 128 teachers were shifted to Sumbal Zone from Quil Muqam, Bandipora and Hajin without formal approval.

 

The audit recommended strict adherence to service rules and immediate corrective measures to restore sanctioned staff strength in affected schools.(KNS).