3 Private Schools Defy Closure Orders, CEO Rajouri Issues Show-Cause Notices, Legal Action Likely.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SHYAM SOOD 

RAJOURI JULY 23:-Despite clear administrative orders to keep schools closed due to inclement weather, three private schools in Rajouri district were found open on Wednesday, July 23.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Rajouri, Mohammad Iqbal, has issued show-cause notices to the principals of all three schools.
According to the CEO, due to continuous heavy rainfall over the past several days and worsening weather conditions, both the Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri and the Chief Education Officer had issued explicit instructions to keep all government and private schools closed on Wednesday, July 23. The purpose of these orders was to ensure the safety of students and prevent any potential mishaps caused by the ongoing rainfall.

However, in blatant violation of these instructions, three private schools in Rajouri—Dawn Public Higher Secondary School, New Age Public School, and Bright Public School—were found open on Wednesday. This led to anger and frustration among parents and residents.
Parents expressed concern, stating that while all other schools across the district complied with the administration’s orders, these three schools ignored them and jeopardized the safety of children. They questioned whether the school administrations were more concerned about fees and business than the lives of students.
“When all schools in the district are closed, under what law or reasoning are these schools operating?” parents asked.
Moreover, due to the recent heavy rains, many areas have experienced washed-out roads, landslides, and dangerously rising levels of rivers and streams. Sending children to school under such conditions poses a major risk. Yet, these schools irresponsibly decided to remain open.
The public has demanded that the Deputy Commissioner and the Chief Education Officer of Rajouri take strict action to ensure that no institution dares to take such a reckless step in the future.
As soon as Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma received information about the schools being open, he dispatched special teams to investigate. The teams confirmed that the three schools were indeed functioning and that students were present. Taking serious note of the situation, the Deputy Commissioner directed the CEO to take immediate action.
Following these instructions, the CEO issued show-cause notices to all three schools, seeking an explanation within two days.
He warned the school administrations that if a response is not received within the stipulated time, strict legal action will be taken.