JK News Today: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has initiated a thorough investigation into the case of a Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teacher, Arsullah Habib, who has reportedly avoided classroom duties for 21 years. Habib, appointed under the ReT scheme in 2004, was assigned to Primary School Aragam in Bandipora district but has allegedly never taught there. Instead, he secured non-teaching roles at the Chief Education Officer’s (CEO) Office and the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Office in Bandipora, drawing an annual salary of ₹13 lakh while his school remained without a teacher.
Despite government directives to return deputed teachers to schools, Habib continued in administrative roles, even being assigned as a coordinator for an anti-drug campaign under the DC’s office. Shockingly, he was sent for a B.Ed. training program in 2021, though he never utilized these skills in a classroom. Local residents claim they have rarely seen him at the school, with one villager stating, “He appeared briefly in March this year and then disappeared again.”
Following public outcry, DSEK has appointed Joint Director (North) Hakeem Tanveer to investigate how Habib managed to evade teaching responsibilities for over two decades. A preliminary report by the District Vigilance Officer and Deputy Chief Education Officer, Bandipora, has highlighted the need for a detailed probe. Tanveer has been directed to submit a comprehensive report with recommendations within ten days, which will guide further action against Habib and any officials who may have facilitated his prolonged absence. (KNO)
