MOHAMMAD ASHRAF: ONE MAN ARMY

Jammu, Oct 11 (Only Kashmir), Ajmer Alam Wani

Born in an agriculturist family and joined the education department in the year 1986, a man with a mission had to travel 26 years long journey serving the department, to reach his dream chair as Chief Education Officer (CEO) Doda. Now one mission is accomplished and now he is on another mission from the day one after he joined as CEO Doda, he wants to streamline the derailed education system in Doda district by taking care of every need of students, people as well as teachers and other staffers.

In an exclusive interview with Ajmer Alam Wani, the dynamic Chief Education Officer (CEO) Doda, Mohammed Ashraf said that there are numerous problems likewise shortage of teaching / non teaching staff in the schools situated in far-flung areas of Doda and added that shortly “We are going to appoint/engage 189 teachers + 131 RETs already advertised in Socially and Backward areas and expressed hope that these teachers being well qualified will work with dedication and sincerity to uplift the education standard.

He also cautioned to go tough against the officials in CEO and ZEO officers found involved in favouritism and corrupt practices so the students do not suffer.

HERE ARE THE EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW

Q. The time when you joined the education department initially what was your dream that time and had you thought that one day you will become CEO that too of your home district?

ANS:   I joined the Education Department as lecturer in Physics in the year 1986 at HSS Dachhan with a sole dream to service the society as an effective teacher particularly for the betterment of students and at that time to reach upto this office was one of the dreams in my life. Today by the grace of almighty I have been blessed with the responsibility to serve as CEO Doda.

Q. What hurdles and problems you faced to reach this post and what challenges you think will come in your way ahead?

ANS:  It is natural phenomena to achieve a goal one has to face hurdles and problems but so far myself is concerned, no such hurdles and problems came forward to me to reach this post because of the transparent and good governance of the Govt.  There are number of challenges before me to streamlines the education system in District Doda but I will try to my best to come to the expectation of public with the cooperation of people of District Doda, District administration and the higher authorities.  

Q.  Having vast experience in education department, what you observed so-far about the education scenario in Doda district?

ANS:  In view of topography of District Doda being hilly district, there are numerous problems likewise shortage of teaching / non teaching staff in the schools situated in far flung areas. But shortly we are going to appoint/engage 189 teachers + 131 RETs already advertised in socially and backward areas and I hope my teachers being well qualified will work with dedication and sincerity / dedication to uplift the education standard.

Q. Do you agree that present education system in Doda district has been influenced by politics and corruption?

ANS: No. There is neither any illegal influence of politics in the education system in District Doda nor is any question of corruption in the education system.

Q.  What you suggest, and will act upon as CEO Doda to streamline the system and how you will ensure quality education in schools, particularly in far flung areas?

ANS: I as Chief Education Officer Doda suggest to the general public, political parties, panchayats, to cooperate with education department in positive manner to streamline the system. Moreover,   I will take the help of district administration, and my predecessors in this regard.

Q.  There are reports that clerical staff in CEO and ZEO offices, is involved in favouritism and corrupt practices due to which students are suffering badly and education system is derailed, will you be able to crack this deep rooted nexus or will ultimately surrender ?

ANS: I cannot speak on this question at this time because it is my first day as CEO Doda. But I assure if such reports found factual, this system cannot be tolerated at any cost and action in this regard shall be taken.

Q. The first major challenge for you will be posting of newly recruited teachers,  may be you face political pressure, influence and the as usual personnel relations also , how will you do justice to you chair while making new postings and what will be your priorities and criteria will you adopt while posting ?

ANS: Yet, the posting of newly recruited teachers is a hectic job for the office, because most of the selected candidates are female and vacancies/shortage of staff is in far flung areas , but this will be done after threadbare discussion with the Principals/ZEOs/ Headmasters keeping in view the need of staff/subject teachers in the needy schools.

Q. There are reports that before making new postings rationalisation will be done and old staff will be adjusted in cities, while the new will be sent to villages and other far off areas, but while releasing the list of teachers, it was clearly mentioned that these teachers will be posted against the clear vacancies and to fill those vacancies no transfer will be made, don’t you think rationalisation will be against the directions and contradictory ?

ANS: Rationalization process will be done in accordance with the norms set up by the higher authorities through a committee already constituted for the purpose. 

Q: There are many cases of attachments of RRTs, which earlier CEO was unable to check, will you take any stern action against such practices? 

ANS: So far as this question is concerned this will be checked only after having a meeting with the field functionaries and the action in accordance with the rules shall be taken. 

Q. What action will you take against the Pvt Educational institutions, not fulfilling the norms?

ANS:  Private educational institutions if found functioning in violation of the rules set up by the department, the stern action shall be taken against the defaulters. 

Q: At last what clear message you wish for teachers and students and parents? 

ANS: I being the son of soil as a Chief Education Officer Doda want to give a message through the medium of media to teachers to work with dedication, sincerity and honestly in the schools and do justice with the poor students. Moreover, they are also advised to maintain regularly, punctuality and discipline in the schools. At the same time I appeal to the parents to the students to cooperate to the teachers with a positive attitude .Because hard work is the key of success for the students to achieve the goal in life.