Mandi (Munish Sood)
The Mandi Education Department has suspended Yadvinder, the head teacher at the primary school at Dusra Khabu under Balh subdivision, for allegedly arriving heavily drunk on duty on Wednesday.
The action came after a purported video showing the teacher allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the school went viral on social media. The suspended teacher’s headquarters has been shifted to the Block Elementary Education Office (BEEO) in Padhar.
Department acts on viral video
The video, widely circulated on social media, showed the teacher reportedly intoxicated and asleep on a chair on the school premises. Social media users expressed outrage, demanding strict action for what they termed an unacceptable act in an institution meant to nurture young minds.
In the video, an individual is seen questioning the teacher, who appears incapable of providing coherent answers. Despite the teacher claiming to be on leave, the video clearly shows schoolchildren present in the classroom, further intensifying the backlash.
Taking immediate cognisance, the Deputy Director of Elementary Education suspended the headmaster and directed an inquiry into the incident.
Inquiry in progress
Sukhiya Ram, the Block Elementary Education Officer (BEEO) of Rewalsar, has been assigned to conduct a preliminary investigation. He visited the school on Thursday and gathered statements from students, staff members and local residents. The findings of this inquiry will be submitted to the department.
If the allegations are substantiated in the detailed departmental probe, stringent disciplinary action would be initiated against the suspended teacher, said an official.
Authorities confirm action
The Deputy Director of Elementary Education, Vijay Gupta, confirmed the suspension, stating that the department was committed to maintaining the sanctity of educational institutions.
The teacher, instead of reporting back to his school, has been ordered to report at the BEEO Office, Drang-II, Padhar. This serves as a temporary measure while the investigation progresses.