Mandi (Munish Sood)
Sanjeev Kumar, a Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) at Bidi Middle School in Sarkaghat in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh was suspended after being caught intoxicated on the school premises.
The suspension order, issued on January 23 by the Director of Elementary Education, Ashish Kohli, comes in light of repeated complaints from parents about the teacher’s unprofessional conduct.
According to sources, Sanjeev Kumar habitually arrived to school under the influence of alcohol and conducted classes in a drunken state. Despite warnings, his behavior persisted.
The matter escalated when the School Management Committee caught him red-handed with a bottle of alcohol on the school premises.
A police complaint was filed and a medical examination confirmed his intoxication. He has since been reassigned to the Deputy Director of Elementary Education’s office at the district headquarters and placed under strict monitoring.
Recurring incidents in Himachal Pradesh
This is not an isolated incident in Himachal Pradesh. The state has seen several similar cases in recent years, highlighting a concerning trend among educators in government schools.
Balh Subdivision, Mandi (December 2024): Yadvinder, the head teacher of a government primary school in Dusra Khabu, was suspended after a video surfaced showing him heavily drunk in school.
The footage, which went viral on social media, revealed him unable to perform basic tasks, leaving students unattended. The District Education Office took immediate action, suspending him and launching an inquiry.
Ghumarwin, Bilaspur (2023): A school principal in Ghumarwin was suspended after being caught intoxicated during school hours.
Parents raised concerns about his behaviour after noticing a decline in the school’s functioning. An investigation confirmed the allegations, and the teacher faced disciplinary action.
Rampur, Shimla (2023): Another case emerged in Rampur where a government school teacher was found teaching under the influence of alcohol. Parents staged protests, demanding strict action. The teacher was suspended after a formal inquiry.
Adverse impact on education, society
These recurring incidents raise questions about the accountability of teachers and the impact of their behaviour on students’ learning and morale.
Schools, considered temples of learning, are being tarnished by such acts, shaking public trust in the education system.
Govt acting tough on drunk teachers
The Himachal Pradesh Education Department has been taking strict action against such misconduct by teachers.
The Directorate of Elementary Education has implemented tighter monitoring mechanisms, including surprise inspections and mandatory alcohol testing in suspected cases.
Speaking on the issue, Director Ashish Kohli said, “Teachers hold the responsibility of shaping young minds. Any behaviour compromising this sacred duty will not be tolerated.”
