Staff accuse school head of harassment

CHANDIGARH: On Thursday, the education department marked an inquiry against the headmistress of Government High School, Sector 30 A, Satish Kumari, for a complaint lodged against her to the education department by the entire teaching and non-teaching staff of the school. One might call this the beginning of the fall of the second Mubarak with the entire staff requesting the department to transfer Kumari to another school.
In the complaint, the 31 staff members had alleged that Kumari was polluting the school atmosphere and was spoiling the future prospects of the students by not only being abusive to her staff but also subjecting the students to corporal punishment.
''For one and a half year, Kumari has terrorized the staff and the students. She locks the toilets and she does not let the students use the equipment in the science labs. She has also beaten the students in front of the entire school and has used abusive language with all,'' said an official on the condition of anonymity. ''She was at Sector-20 Government High School as well and had a reputation of being completely incompetent. I really don't know how she was promoted.'' said the official.
The problem had been persisting for over a year according to the parents who had also earlier lodged a complaint after Kumari had subjected their children to corporal punishment.
''She has been a lot of trouble. She even beat my son who is in Class VIII over a very minor issue. Children are scared of her. An action needs to be taken,'' said a parent on the condition of anonymity.
On asking the director of Public Instructions, Sandeep Hans, about the findings of the enquiry, he said, ''The deputy DEO visited the school
yesterday to talk to the staff and principal after the complaint was lodged. The enquiry is going on and we will listen to both the parties and make a decision.'' The teachers said that they would consider resigning if nothing is done.
'All of this is rubbish. The vice-principal of my school, R D Shastri, wants me out. My school is doing very well and I am running the institution in a good way. All students are happy,” says Satish Kumari, the headmistress.