Govt partially revokes shifting of Deputy CEO Shopian’s office

Shopian, July 25 : The Jammu and Kashmir government has partially modified its earlier decision regarding the relocation of the Deputy Chief Education Officer (CEO) Shopian’s office, directing that it will now function three days a week from the district headquarters and three days from Chitragam in Zainapora sub-division.The modification follows widespread public backlash over the original order, issued on July 7, which mandated the complete transfer of the office from Shopian to Chitragam.The move was strongly opposed by political parties and civil society groups, who termed it arbitrary and detrimental to public convenience.In response, various stakeholders came together under the banner of the All Party District Development Forum, which launched a protest campaign against the decision. The agitation peaked with a complete shutdown observed in Shopian on July 23.A revised government order, issued following public pressure, reads: “In partial modification of Government Order No. 510-JK(Edu) of 2025 dated 07.07.2025, and in the interest of administration and till further orders, it is hereby ordered that the Deputy Chief Education Officer, Shopian, shall henceforth work for three (03) days each in a week at Shopian and Chitragam (Sub-division Zainapora).”The All Party District Development Forum welcomed the move but maintained that it does not fully address the issue.“This decision is a relief for now, but we view it as temporary. We urge the government to create a separate post of Deputy CEO for Chitragam to ensure fair and efficient administration,” Mohammad Yaqoob Gatoo, a prominent civil society member and forum representative, told Rising Kashmir.He added that their protest was never against Chitragam but against decisions that ignored the needs of Shopian residents.Local MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Chairman of the All Party District Development Forum, appreciated people of Shopian for their resilience for past 15 days.He congratulated all those people who showed their resentment against the decision and supported them to seek it’s partial modification.“The forum is above politics and will continue to work for the betterment of Shopian and it’s people,” he said.Talking to Rising Kashmir Kullay said that while they welcome the partial modification in the original order but they want a permanent resolution of the issue. “We have been assured that the order  will be completely rescinded in 20 days and thereafter the office of Deputy CEO Shopian will permanently function at district headquaters,” Kullay said, adding that alternative arrangement for Chitragam is under the consideration of authorities.