DCs directed to ensure ‘healthy environment’ in educational institutions

The orders comes amid politically-driven instability in schools, colleges, and universities

The Ministry of Education has instructed the deputy commissioners, or DCs, to oversee the maintenance of healthy environment in the educational institutions and to report to the Secondary and Higher Education Division when needed.

The directive was issued in an official order by its Secondary and Higher Education Division on Tuesday in the wake of politically-driven instability in schools, colleges, and universities following the change of power.

The order read: “In various parts of the country, unpleasant situations have arisen due to demands for resignation or removal of heads or other officials of some universities, colleges, and schools based on various allegations against them. In some instances, teachers have faced personal harassment, and the law and order has deteriorated. This situation is not entirely undesirable.”

The ministry said any specific complaints against teachers be can be reported to the Secondary and Higher Education Directorate and at the university level, the vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellor, or other officials can voluntarily resign, and if necessary, they can be removed under the chancellor's law.

“For institutions like government schools and colleges, the head or others can be transferred or investigated by the Secondary and Higher Education Division or Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education-DSHE as needed, and appropriate actions can be taken.

“Similarly, the management committee or DSHE can take measures regarding private educational institutions. If specific complaints are submitted regarding a teacher or official, the relevant division or department will investigate and take appropriate action.”

The directive further said the country's public administration has always played a crucial role in improving the management and environment of educational institutions.

“Given the current situation, the deputy commissioners have been instructed to maintain communication with the teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders of educational institutions to oversee the maintenance of an overall healthy environment and, if necessary, to inform the Secondary and Higher Education Division.”