LAKKI MARWAT: The district elementary and secondary education department has issued show causes notices to over two dozen employees of public sector schools, including teachers, over dereliction of duty.

“The notices were issued after sub-divisional education officer, Ikramullah Khan, found several primary schools closed during surprise inspection visits,” said an official on Saturday. He said the visits were arranged on public complaints that teachers didn’t turn up at the schools situated in remote localities.

“The SDEO visited schools in Takhtikhel, Madati Neeka, Begukhel, Tarikhel, Jabukhel, Mammakhel, Naserkhel, Kundal Chauni and other localities,” said the official, and added that several head teachers, teachers and class four employees were absenting from duty.

The ESED official also found substitutes working in primary schools in place of actual teachers,” said the official, adding that the competent authority issued show cause notices to 29 employees and directed then to explain their position,otherwise disciplinary action would be initiated against them.