Four teachers suspended over absence

Bettiah: District education officer (DEO) on Thursday suspended four special teachers posted at Vipin Higher Secondary School in Bettiah, West Champaran, after they were found absent from duty despite marking their attendance.

The action followed surprise inspections conducted by DEO Ravindra Kumar and district programme officer Gargi Kumari for secondary education and literacy on Jan 26 and 27. The suspended teachers are Suman Singh, Abida Asad, Amrita Kumari and Sonam Sharma.


The matter assumed significance as the school is located directly opposite the district collectorate, an area considered to be under constant administrative scrutiny. Officials expressed surprise that such irregularities were taking place at a school situated at such a prominent location.

DEO Kumar said the inspection revealed serious lapses in the functioning of the school. “During the visit, it was found that the four special teachers had marked their presence in the attendance register but were not available in the school during working hours,” he said.

He added, “I had previously conducted two surprise inspections of the school where these teachers were found missing. They were asked for an explanation. Meanwhile, when we visited for the third time, some teachers were found gossiping on the school campus instead of teaching in the classroom, while four special teachers were found missing from the school after marking their attendance.”

Kumar said such practices would not be tolerated. “The department is committed to ensuring discipline and accountability in schools. Surprise inspections will continue to curb absenteeism and improve the quality of education,” he said.

During the suspension period, the teachers have been attached to different schools in the district, the DEO added.