UP: Whistleblower teacher sacked for absenteeism

The UP government has terminated the services of the primary school teacher on whose PIL the Allahabad High Court had ordered that all government servants, elected representatives and members of judiciary to send their children to state-run primary schools.

“Shiv Kumar Pathak was taking primary teachers training at BRC centre, Bhadeya block in Lambhua tehsil here. He used to remain absent. As no leave is given during training, an explanation was sought from him but it was not satisfactory, after which training was discontinued on August 13,” Basic <g data-gr-id="15">Siksha</g> Adhikari Ramesh Yadav said.

Pathak, however, said whenever he had gone to court, he had taken leave and had the receipt as well. "I will approach the court if the state government doesn’t do justice. I have received the letter on August 17," he said, claiming that in the letter it was stated, “As you go to court regularly and did not discharge your duties, you are not fit for becoming a teacher. You stand terminated.” 

On Pathak’s PIL, HC had on August 18 asked the UP Chief Secretary to ensure that government servants, elected representatives and members of judiciary “and all other persons who get any benefit or salary from state exchequer or public fund” send their kids to primary schools run by state Board for Secondary Education.