DSEK terminates school teacher in Ganderbal for ‘unauthorised absence’

Srinagar, May 30: The Director of School Education Kashmir has ordered the termination of a former teacher at Government Boys High School (BHS) Harran, Ganderbal, for remaining “unauthoriedly absent” from her duties since August 1, 2019.

According to an official order, Bilquees Hassan failed to obtain prior permission or leave sanction from the competent authority for her absence. Despite being given multiple opportunities to explain her absence, including a show cause notice issued on June 15, 2020, she did not respond satisfactorily, it said.

“The teacher filed a case with the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) through her father under O.A. No. 62/1293/2021. The CAT, in its order dated August 27, 2021, directed the respondent to grant her an additional seven days to file her reply. However, she failed to respond and was given a final opportunity on January 9, 2023, to explain her position regarding her unauthorised absence and proceeding outside the Union Territory (UT) without permission,” the order said.

Instead of submitting a satisfactory reply, Bilquees Hassan applied for voluntary retirement effective January 18, 2023, through registered post, the DSEK said, adding, “Leaving the station without proper permission violated the circular instructions issued by the Finance Department under No. A/46(2017)-1-86 dated February 21, 2019. Consequently, appropriate action was warranted as per Article 128 of J&K Civil Services Rules (Volume 1) of 1956.”

The case was presented before the Designated Committee on April 8, 2023, which recommended the termination process. A Final Show Cause Notice was issued on November 24, 2023, but the teacher’s father informed the Directorate that she was settled abroad and sought voluntary retirement from government service.

The matter was reviewed again by the Designated Committee on March 11, 2024, which decided to issue a termination order effective from August 1, 2019, citing her unwillingness to join.

“Based on the aforementioned information, it is evident that the teacher has expressed no interest in continuing her employment in the Department, despite being given ample opportunities to present her case.

In the interest of justice, and in accordance with the decision made by the Designated Committee during its meeting on March 11, 2024, Bilquees Hassan, former teacher at BHS Harran, Ganderbal, is hereby terminated from Government service as per Article 128 of J&K Civil Services Rules (Volume I) of 1956 and Rule 30(VII) of J&KCCA rules 1956, effective from August 1, 2019 (the date from which she remained unauthorisedly absent),” the Director of School Education Kashmir said. (Rising Kashmir)