HM OF A SCHOOL SUSPENDED FOR BEATING STUDENTS

HM OF A SCHOOL SUSPENDED FOR BEATING STUDENTS

6-SEP-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR--------------------------The Education Department appears to be in action mode following a series of complaints emerging from government schools in the district. After taking action regarding incidents of misconduct with female students at the Middle School in Nathuni Ahir ka Dera (Dumraon) and allegations of a student being made to massage a teacher's shoulder at Garhatha Kala Middle School (Brahmpur)—along with other irregularities—the axe has now fallen on the headmistress of Acharya Narendra Dev Middle School in Buxar town.

On July 28, female students from the school went directly to the Deputy Development Commissioner's (DDC) office to lodge a complaint. They leveled serious allegations of physical assault and mistreatment against the headmistress and other female teachers. An inquiry was conducted, and based on the report, the Education Department suspended Headmistress Anju Kumari and initiated departmental proceedings against her.

According to an order issued by the District Education Officer's office on September 3, students alleged during the inquiry that they were physically assaulted by the female teachers at the school. Allegations also surfaced that Headmistress Anju Kumari beat students using an iron scale and a slipper.

The inquiry also revealed several shortcomings in the school's academic administration. Student attendance was unsatisfactory, teachers' lesson plans were not up to date, and some teachers were not adhering to the dress code. The inquiry report also highlighted a lack of coordination between teachers and students, negligence in school management, and unsatisfactory academic performance.

The report further noted that while there were complaints regarding fights among the children, the teachers failed to establish a conducive learning environment or foster harmony among the students. An explanation had been sought from the headmistress on August 14, but as her response was deemed unsatisfactory, a recommendation for strict disciplinary action was made. Subsequently, Headmistress Anju Kumari has been suspended and subjected to departmental proceedings under the Bihar Government Servants (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 2005. Her headquarters during the suspension period has been designated as the Block Resource Centre, Chausa.

Serious incidents involving schools have frequently come to light in the district recently. The functioning of the Education Department came under scrutiny following a case of sexual misconduct against female students at the Middle School in Nathuni Ahir ka Dera, Dumraon. Later, four teachers—including the teacher-in-charge—were suspended after serious irregularities, such as an allegation of a female student being made to massage a teacher's shoulders, were discovered during an inspection at Garhatha Kala Middle School in Brahmpur.

Now, the suspension of another headmistress following complaints from female students makes it clear that the Education Department is adopting a strict stance regarding cases of child abuse, indiscipline, and academic negligence in schools. This series of actions has caused a stir within the district's Education Department and government schools.