The Education Department has suspended two teachers, Prafulla Sahu and Seema Sharma, from Government Secondary School Mahuda, located in the Durg district. The suspensions were a result of serious allegations against the teachers. The department’s order cited irresponsible behavior towards official duties, neglect of responsibilities, and disciplinary issues as the reasons for the action. The accusations stemmed from a complaint filed by a teacher, Shruti Mishra, who alleged that Prafulla Sahu used a student’s mobile phone during exam duty to create videos and photos. Furthermore, it was alleged that Sahu made inappropriate comments during the prayer assembly and played the harmonium during class. These actions were deemed detrimental to the school environment. A two-member investigation committee was formed, and the investigation confirmed that Prafulla Sahu admitted to the accusations. It was also discovered that he and Seema Sharma would sit together in a separate room away from the staff room, creating a negative atmosphere. Seema Sharma’s conduct also came under scrutiny, with allegations that she did not provide sufficient and menu-compliant meals to students as the in-charge of the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) program, potentially impacting the children’s health and nutrition. The investigation concluded that both teachers’ conduct violated the provisions of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services Conduct Rules, 1965, and constituted serious misconduct. Consequently, the Education Department suspended them under the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 1966. During their suspension, Prafulla Sahu will report to the Block Education Officer, Gunderdehi, Balod district, and Seema Sharma will report to the Principal, Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Dhamdha, Durg district. They will receive a living allowance as per regulations. The Education Department emphasized that such indiscipline and negligence will not be tolerated, as the school environment is crucial for children’s education and development, and strict action will be taken against any form of arbitrariness and irresponsible behavior.
