Serious irregularities, misuse of power, and favoritism in the Punjab Education Department are reported
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Despite the keen desire of CM Punjab Mohtarma Maryam Nawaz and Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, some unscrupulous elements in the Punjab education department are neglecting merit and are reported to have committed serious violations of rules and regulations. Senior officers are neglected, and junior officers have been given preference in promotion, which is not only against the rules and regulations but also against the keen desire of CM Punjab and the education minister’s keen desire and sincere efforts to promote quality education in Punjab. Junior officers are being posted to senior positions, bypassing seniors, which has raised concerns among deserving meritorious officers. Certain elements in the Punjab education department are misusing Section 9. Section 9 provides the government with administrative authority to post civil servants to any position under its control. However, observers within the School Education Department of Punjab argue that the provision is being used in certain cases to assign junior officers to senior posts while senior and more experienced officers within the cadre are overlooked. Senior officers have the notion that, while using powers under section 9 of the Punjab Civil Servant Act, 1947, merit must not be neglected, which is the soul of the law. They have raised their serious concerns over some instances, where junior officers have been assigned to senior positions under section 9, while senior and eligible officers remain available within the cadre. Section 9, according to the legal experts, does not constitute a promotion mechanism and should be used only for temporary administrative requirements.
Education sector representatives argue that while temporary arrangements may be justified in exceptional circumstances to ensure continuity of administration, prolonged continuation of junior officers on senior posts may raise questions regarding transparency, seniority principles, and institutional morale. According to the law, section 9 could only be applied for temporary administrative requirements and must be within the legal framework. Transparency, fairness, and justice to everyone must be assured. This would enhance confidence among officers, and they would be able to serve in a better way for the noble cause of promoting quality education in a professional way. Political interference and undue pressure are creating unrest and affecting the performance of senior officers. Senior officers warned that the prolonged placement of juniors over seniors disrupt administrative hierarchy, undermines moral and threatens institutional discipline.
Stakeholders appealed to the government, CM, and the education minister to take notice of this situation and to take action against those who are neglecting merit.
