ZEO, Principal Posts Vacant Across Several Govt Schools in Kashmir
SRINAGAR: The education sector across Kashmir Valley is facing a severe administrative crisis, with several higher secondary schools and educational zones functioning without Principals and Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) for months, affecting both academic and administrative efficiency.
Official sources said that Budgam district has been hit hardest. Khag Higher Secondary School has had no Principal for over six months, while Boys Higher Secondary School Khag has remained headless for four months. Drang Higher Secondary School has been without a Principal for nearly two years.
The problem extends beyond schools. Khag Zone has not had a ZEO for two years, while Magam and Beerwah zones also lack regular officers, relying on staff with additional charge. In Srinagar’s Gulab Bagh Zone, which oversees nearly 300 teachers, the ZEO post has been vacant for six months.
Teachers said the absence of regular heads has paralysed decision-making and weakened institutional oversight. “Those with additional charges cannot take major policy decisions. The system is collapsing due to lack of leadership,” said a senior teacher from Budgam.
The administrative gap has also stalled promotions and academic planning. Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) are delayed, and study leave files remain pending for months. “Officers holding additional charge have no long-term accountability, so files pile up,” said another teacher.
Many teachers expressed disappointment with Education Minister Sakina Itoo for failing to act despite repeated appeals. “We hoped the minister would address this crisis swiftly, but nothing has changed,” said one teacher.
Teachers have warned that if the government does not fill the vacant posts soon, the administrative vacuum could further erode institutional efficiency and affect student outcomes.
Repeated attempts to seek a response from Education Minister Sakina Itoo were unsuccessful as her phone remained out of network coverage. (Kashmir Life)
