Rajouri Education Authority Recommends Suspension of Lecturer Over Prayer Platform in Govt School
Chief Education Officer Seeks Action Against Lecturer for Violating School Norms
JAMMU, Dec 28: The education authorities in Rajouri have recommended the suspension of an Arabic lecturer of a government higher secondary school following allegations that he ordered the construction of a platform on the school building for offering prayers, officials said on Sunday.
According to officials, Munnawar Hussain, Lecturer (Arabic), posted at Government Higher Secondary School, Chingus, was prima facie found to have directed the construction of a platform on the roof of a newly constructed block of the institution. The matter came to light after local residents raised objections, alleging that the platform was intended for religious use within the school premises.
Quoting a letter issued by the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Rajouri, officials said the recommendation for suspension was forwarded to the Director, School Education Jammu, after preliminary findings indicated procedural and administrative violations. The letter, issued on Saturday, noted that the construction was undertaken without authorisation and was not in consonance with the prescribed norms governing the use of educational infrastructure.
The issue triggered protests in the area, with a large number of local residents assembling at the school premises and demanding strict action against the lecturer. Protesters expressed concern over the alleged misuse of a government educational institution for purposes not permitted under official guidelines, calling for immediate administrative intervention.
Following the protests, the Chief Education Officer, accompanied by the District Education Planning Officer, visited the school on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri. During the visit, the officials interacted with local residents, school staff and other stakeholders to assess the situation and defuse tensions.
As an interim measure, the lecturer concerned has been directed to report to the office of the Chief Education Officer for further duties, pending a final decision by higher authorities. Officials said the recommendation for suspension is part of the disciplinary process and further action will be taken in accordance with service rules and the outcome of the inquiry.
The education department has reiterated that government school premises are meant strictly for academic and administrative purposes, and any unauthorised construction or deviation from prescribed norms will invite disciplinary action. Authorities have assured the public that the matter is being handled with due sensitivity and in line with established procedures to maintain the secular and inclusive character of educational institutions.
