Rukum, January 30:

The District Education Office, Rukum, has been running without its chief for the last three years.

Baikuntha Prasad Aryal was assigned as the district education officer in 2006. However, he has not assumed the office yet. But he has been enjoying the salary and perks.

Though Aryal was granted a study leave for two years, he has not attended the office one year after his leave ended.

In his absence, six resource persons and section officers assumed the job of acting district education officer in three years. Dharmaraj KC was the last acting DEO who was deputed from Dolpa for three months and his tenure expired on December 30.

The office has also been facing a shortage of manpower. The posts of two officers, four

resource persons, a technician and a kharidar are lying vacant in the office.