15 Days On: ZEO ‘not in a mood’ to submit report
Ajay Sharma
Rajouri July, 17
Despite the lapse of 15 days, Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Lower Hathal appears in no mood to submit report regarding alleged negligence of the Education Department in processing scholarship forms.
According to sources, the case of alleged administrative negligence in the Education Department of Lower Hathal, Tehsil Sunderbani, Rajouri, has come to light, wherein meritorious students were unable to participate in a crucial scholarship examination.
The issue, stemming from the failure of the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) of Lower Hathal to submit necessary forms, has sparked outrage among the public and raised questions about accountability in the department.
According to reports, the scholarship exam, intended for top-performing 8th-grade students, was held in June at a designated center in Rajouri.
However, students from Lower Hathal were barred from appearing for the exam due to the ZEO’s failure to submit their application forms to the Chief Education Officer’s (CEO) office. This oversight has deprived deserving students of an opportunity to secure scholarships, critical for their academic futures.
Following the incident, the CEO of Rajouri demanded a report from the ZEO of Lower Hathal to explain the lapse.
“Shockingly, even after 15 days, no report has been submitted, highlighting a blatant disregard for authority and accountability,” said sources, adding that the CEO personally reached out to the ZEO multiple times, but the office has remained unresponsive.
Local residents and parents are furious, questioning the competence of the Education Department.
“If students are denied their right to appear for scholarship exams due to such negligence, what is the role of the ZEO?” asked an aggrieved parent. The inaction has also raised concerns about whether senior officials, including the Education Director, Commissioner, or even the Education Minister, will step in to address this systemic failure.
The public is now demanding answers: Why has the ZEO of Lower Hathal failed to comply with the CEO’s directive? Will the Education Department take strict action against those responsible? As the issue gains traction, all eyes are on the Education Minister and higher authorities to ensure justice for the affected students and to prevent such lapses in the future.
