Uttarakhand teacher gives students half-day leave for Friday prayers, suspended

NAINITAL: A teacher at govt inter college in Kharadi, Uttarakhand, was suspended this week for granting half-day leaves to special category students so they can attend Friday prayers.

The teacher, Tilak Joshi, allowed students to leave after fifth period instead of the usual eight periods.

The suspension followed a protest on Dec 20 by members of VHP and Bajrang Dal. The protesters argued that there is no educational rule that allows half-day leave on Fridays and alleged that such practices 'could compromise educational integrity'. Joshi's suspension sparked protests among teachers organisations, which held a meeting on Tuesday. They 'demanded immediate reversal of the suspension and warned of escalating their protests if their demands were not met.

A VHP member dismissed the allegations of misconduct.

Department of school education has taken cognisance of the matter and given the teacher one week to provide an official explanation.

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