School Rooftop Prayer Platform Controversy: CEO Recommends Lecturer’s Suspension

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SHYAM SOOD

**Lecturer removed from school, attached to CEO’s office.

**Locals demand FIR, warn of large-scale protest.

RAJOURI DECM 28:-Tension prevailed in the Chingas area of Rajouri district on Saturday after locals raised strong objections to the construction of an unauthorised platform on the rooftop of a new under-construction building of Government Higher Secondary School, Chingas.

Many people gathered at the school premises, demanding immediate demolition of the structure and strict action against the lecturer responsible for it.

According to officials, the matter came to the notice of Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, IAS, who promptly directed the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Rajouri to visit the school, conduct an inquiry, and submit a detailed report.

Acting without delay, CEO Rajouri Mohammad Hafiz Sheikh, along with the District Education Planning Officer, personally visited the school and interacted with residents to ascertain the facts.

During the inspection, it was found that the order to construct the platform on the school’s rooftop had been given by Dr. Munavvar Hussain, Lecturer in Arabic at the institution. The platform was reportedly intended to be used for offering prayers.

The CEO stated that spreading such misleading information and ordering the construction of a structure for religious use within a government educational institution is completely unethical and unacceptable, especially when done by a senior lecturer. The issue had triggered strong resentment among locals, who were demanding strict disciplinary action.

Taking serious note of the matter, the CEO placed Dr. Munavvar Hussain under suspension, subject to the approval of the Director, School Education Department.

He has also been removed from Government Higher Secondary School, Chingas, and directed to report immediately to the Chief Education Office, Rajouri, for further duties.

The CEO submitted a detailed report to the Deputy Commissioner Rajouri and forwarded it to the Director of, School Education Department, for further action.

Meanwhile, residents have demanded registration of an FIR against the lecturer under relevant legal provisions. They have warned of large-scale protests if no legal action is initiated in the matter.

It is pertinent to mention here that after public outrage, the platform was removed in the presence of residents reportedly by the police.