Jammu and Kashmir administration suspended 40 teachers of different schools in south Kashmir district of Kulgam who were found absent from duty, officials said on Wednesday.

They said Chief Education Officer (CEO) and other officers of the education department inspected various schools in Kulgam district on Tuesday following information that majority teachers have not attended their duties when educational institutions reopened on Monday after winter vacation.

Officials said 40 teachers were found absent during the inspection. The absentees were suspended besides show-cause notice has been issued against them. They said inspections of schools will continue in the district.

Educational institutions reopened after winter vacation on Monday in the valley. However, for the first time on Monday students attended their classes since August 5, when the Centre abrogated the special status of the state and divided it into two Union Territories (UTs).