The Kashmir Dialogues
Srinagar, Mar 14: The education sector in South Kashmir’s Shopian district is facing a major crisis, with 22 high schools operating without headmasters, severely impacting their smooth functioning.
According to details obtained through an RTI filed by activist Nasir Khuehami, two higher secondary schools in the district are also functioning without principals. Additionally, two high schools upgraded under the erstwhile RMSA and SAMAGRA schemes—HS Batafojan and HS Saidpora—lack sanctioned headmaster posts.
The RTI further reveals that six headmasters have been assigned Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) powers to oversee various headless institutions, while only one zonal education officer (ZEO) in the district—Keegam—holds a full-time position. Another ZEO is working on an additional charge basis, while two others are managing administrative duties with DDO powers granted to principals.
Furthermore, of the 15 higher secondary schools in Shopian, only four have full-time principals, eight are managed by in-charge principals, and three are led by look-after principals. The district is also grappling with a shortage of 67 lecturers across various subjects, including Mathematics (11), Urdu (7), Political Science (6), Physical Education (5), English (5), Economics (6), Arabic (4), and History (4).
Concerned parents in Shopian have expressed their frustration over the severe staff shortages and vacant leadership positions in schools. They argue that the reality on the ground contradicts the government’s claims of improving the education sector. Parents have urged Education Minister Sakina Itoo and the Director of School Education to take immediate action to address the crisis.
Sheikh Sameer
