Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar, Jan 25: Two days after the participation of students in a rally led by Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarti Parishad (ABVP) in Poonch on a directive from the district administration, and another order directing a few officials to participate in a sports event organized by the organization in Doda, the School Education Department (SED) on Saturday prohibited its officials from granting permission to students and staff for participation in programs and rallies organized by any political party or organization.
In an official communiqué, the department imposed a complete ban on granting permission or direction by officers and Heads of Institutions (HoIs) of the School Education Department to students and staff for participation in political programs and rallies.
The School Education Department stated that all officers, including Chief Education Officers, Zonal Education Officers, and Heads of Institutions of all schools under the School Education Department, shall not grant any permission or directions to students or staff, including all categories of teachers, to participate in any political program, rally, etc., organized by any political party or organization.
The department also asked the Chief Education Officers to strictly monitor that any directions from any district authority should not be in contravention of the circular and instructions. “In case of any such deviation, the Chief Education Officer concerned shall immediately bring the same to the notice of the respective Director of School Education for further instructions,” it reads.
The department also directed the respective Directors of the School Education Department to ensure strict compliance with the circular instructions, saying that any violation of the same shall be viewed seriously and shall invite strict action under the law.
The order was shared by Education Minister Sakina Itoo on X, formerly Twitter. She also shared another order in which the District Youth Services & Sports, Doda, rescinded its earlier order regarding the deputation of a few officials to a Kabaddi/wrestling championship organized by ABVP on January 27 and 28 in Doda.
