Chandigarh: The Punjab government has suspended a social studies teacher posted at a Government Middle School in Mothanwali village, Moga, following allegations of misconduct and intimidation made by girl students.
The action was taken on the directions of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains after a preliminary inquiry conducted by the District Education Officer (Secondary), Moga into complaints lodged by students. Based on the inquiry report, the Punjab School Education Department placed the teacher under suspension.
According to the complaints, students of Classes 6 and 8 alleged that the teacher behaved inappropriately with them and threatened to fail them if they disclosed the alleged incidents to anyone.
During the suspension period, the teacher will receive a subsistence allowance in accordance with service rules and will remain attached to the office of the District Education Officer (Secondary), Moga, where attendance will be marked until further orders.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the safety, dignity and well-being of every child studying in government schools remained the government’s top priority.
He said there would be zero tolerance for any teacher found misusing their position to threaten or harm students, adding that no compromise would be made on the safety, dignity or mental well-being of children.
Bains said a time-bound departmental inquiry has been ordered and assured that strict action will be taken if the allegations are proven. He added that every complaint concerning the safety of students would be dealt with promptly and firmly.
