Drunk TN school headmaster goes on medical leave after parents’ protest

NAMAKKAL: It was a happening day at the Panchayat Union Primary School in Sundakapalayam in Namakkal district on Monday. It all started with a group of parents gathering at the school demanding the removal of the headmaster who they alleged was a drunkard.

Only 13 students study in the Panchayat Union Primary School. S Thiruchelvam of Nallipalayam has been working as the headmaster of the school for the last five years.

It was alleged that he had not been regular to work for the past few months and that he was under the influence of liquor whenever he arrived at the school.

A teacher in the school had lodged a complaint with the chief minister's grievance cell requesting the headmaster's removal. “However, there has been a delay in addressing the issue,” a teacher said.

On Monday, the parents gathered at the school and protested demanding the headmaster's removal. The teachers in the schools alerted education department officials. The officials held discussions with the parents. They promised prompt action, following which the parents ended their protest and dispersed.

Thiruchelvam went on medical leave. Officials appointed a teacher as the headmaster in charge. All happened in a matter of a few hours.