Bandipora, Mar 01: As the educational institutions reopened across Kashmir, authorities in Bandipora on Monday ordered withholding of the salary of 64 government employees of the education department for remaining absent from their duties.

An official said  that on the directions of Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, surprise inspections were conducted today in various educational institutions across the district during which 64 employees (Teachers/ Masters/ Lecturers/ Others) were found unauthorizedly absent from their legitimate duties.

“Consequently, on the Directions of DC, Bandipora, Chief Education Officer, Bandipora, issued orders for withholding of salary of absentee employees with further directions to immediately report to their duties failing which disciplinary proceedings including suspensions shall be initiated,” official said.

Pertinently, the district has recorded the lowest pass percentage of 61. 52 percent in Class 10th exams (2020), results among all the districts of Kashmir province.

Notably, after staying away from schools, the students from 9th to 12th standard in Kashmir attended schools today amid COVID-19 safety protocols. kno