What the circular says
The Directorate of Colleges J&K issued a circular on November 3, signed by Director Colleges Prof. (Dr) Twinkle Suri, directing Principals of all Government Degree Colleges (GDCs) to ensure strict compliance with attendance requirements by teaching and non-teaching staff.
- Regular biometric attendance, punctuality and uninterrupted conduct of classes.
- No leaving college premises during working hours without prior permission from the competent authority.
- Heads of institutions to personally monitor compliance.
- Violations to invite disciplinary action under applicable rules; incorrect information would also invite action.
The circular states that instances of non-adherence to prescribed working hours and unauthorised absence from duty "have come to the notice of the Directorate" and are adversely affecting institutional discipline and the teaching-learning process.
What prompted it?
The Greater Kashmir report links it to a November 2 surprise inspection of a degree college in Baramulla by a district administration team, which reportedly found around half of the staff had left before the scheduled closing time and obtained biometric records for verification. The circular itself covers every GDC in J&K, including those in Jammu division.
What it means for students
The stated aim is protecting classroom time. Students can expect attendance systems to be checked more closely. The report does not say how the circular will be monitored, nor whether any Jammu college has been inspected.
Source: Greater Kashmir, November 4, 2026.
Image: file photo of Government Degree College, Doda, by Anzer Ayoob / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
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