Srinagar, May 7 (KNS): A controversy has erupted in the Zonal Education Office (ZEO) Pattan in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district after a head clerk was accused of forging signatures of the ZEO, sanctioning leaves and issuing teacher deputations allegedly without authority, officials said on Wednesday.

Official sources said the head clerk, identified as Ghulam Mohiuddin, has allegedly been functioning as a “self-styled ZEO” since no regular ZEO has been posted in the educational block since May 1.

They alleged that even when the Principal of Higher Secondary School Goshbugh was holding additional charge as ZEO, the official had taken control of office affairs and was running the office independently.

According to sources, the official allegedly used forged signatures of the ZEO to sanction leaves and issue deputations of teachers of his own choice by taking advantage of the vacant post.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Some teachers also accused the official of creating an atmosphere where office work was allegedly influenced through personal connections and monetary considerations.

“One official has virtually hijacked the functioning of the office and is acting beyond his authority,” a teacher alleged.

Sources further claimed that monetary dealings were allegedly taking place in the office due to the absence of a regular ZEO.

When contacted, the Director of School Education Kashmir said the matter was under inquiry.

“The allegations are being investigated seriously and action will be taken accordingly,” the official said. (kNS)