Gujarat’s Minister of State for Education, Praful Pansheriya, stated that he has authorised an investigation into the cases of teachers being absent from schools for prolonged periods and settling abroad. The investigation report will be submitted by Monday and subsequent actions will be taken in light of its conclusions.
His announcement follows the revelation of recent incidents involving teachers, while being employed, living in the United States and Canada.
Two days ago, a case from Danta in Banaskantha came out, involving Bhavna Patel, a teacher at Pancha Primary School, who has been absent from her duties for eight years. Her name continues to appear as the head teacher even though she moved to Chicago in 2016.
It is also alleged that she draws a salary by coming back once a year during the Diwali vacation. These details are disclosed in a formal complaint that the parents and the school’s principal filed with the authorities against her. The authorities, however, have not taken any action against her.
A similar case in Tharad
There has been yet another instance reported from Tharad that is similar, in which the education of the students was seriously compromised by the absence of a teacher named Darshanbhai from the school for two years. It has been found that he resides in Canada at present.
During a WhatsApp conversation with Bharatbhai, a fellow primary school teacher, Darshanbhai said that he is currently residing in Canada and will not be coming to the school. When Darshanbhai was asked to resign, he declined and switched off his phone. Bharatbhai brought up the complaint to the District and Taluka Education divisions, but thus far, nothing has been done.
Also Read: Gujarat Model Exposed: Government School Teacher Found Drawing Salary Whilst Living In Chicago!
