Baramulla schools face disruption as ZEO posts lie vacant

By Aatif Qayoom
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15 Apr 2026

Srinagar, Apr 13: The prolonged absence of Zonal Education Officers in several zones of Baramulla district has begun to affect the functioning of the education sector, with school heads struggling to manage additional administrative responsibilities.

Raising the issue, Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, District President of the Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Association Baramulla, said that multiple zones are currently operating without regular ZEOs, forcing Principals of Higher Secondary Schools to take on dual roles.

He said the arrangement, initially introduced as a stopgap measure, has continued for an extended period, placing an excessive burden on Principals.

“A Principal is already responsible for academics, examinations, staff management, and student welfare. Assigning zonal duties alongside these responsibilities affects efficiency at both levels,” he said.

According to Bhat, the absence of dedicated ZEOs has weakened field supervision, delayed grievance redressal, and reduced effective monitoring of schools. He added that zonal administration demands full-time engagement, including regular school visits, coordination, and timely decision-making.

He urged the authorities to fill the vacant posts at the earliest to restore proper administrative and academic oversight. Continued delay, he warned, could impact the overall functioning of schools across Baramulla.

The Teachers Association has called for immediate intervention in the interest of students, teachers, and the education system in the district.