Following a scandal involving ‘absenteeism’ in the education system in Gujarat, the state government has taken action against 151 teachers who have been absent from their duties while still receiving salaries.
For years, the education department has revealed that 60 teachers have reportedly relocated abroad in violation of regulations. The government has released figures from two years ago, indicating that 134 teachers were dismissed for similar reasons in 2022.
The recent uproar over teacher absenteeism has prompted the education department to demand accurate numbers from district and city education divisions regarding teacher attendance. The department has instructed all district primary education and administrative officers to terminate the services of such teachers before August 19.
The department has disclosed details of the actions taken against teachers who were absent prior to 2022, revealing that Banaskantha district recorded the highest number of dismissals, with 18 teachers removed from their positions. Chhota Udepur followed closely with 16 cases, while Surendranagar and Dahod reported 12 and 13 cases, respectively.
The investigation was sparked by a report involving Bhavnaben Patel, a teacher from Banaskantha. The findings indicate that many of the absent teachers are employed in rural schools, with some having settled abroad for work. Notices have been issued to 44 teachers who travelled internationally and 58 out of 70 were absent without authorisation.
A city school has also come under scrutiny for granting a female teacher 137 days of unauthorised leave to travel abroad without getting the required permission from the District Education Officer (DEO). The DEO has issued a notice to the school’s principal, demanding attendance at a hearing to address the matter.
Also Read: After Banaskantha Incident, 150 Teachers Under Scrutiny For Long Absenteeism
