Shimla, April 26: The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered strict action against government primary teachers who participated in a protest today at Chaura Maidan against the creation of a unified Directorate for School Education.
The Primary Teachers Federation (PTF) went ahead with the demonstration despite an official warning issued a day earlier prohibiting criticism of the government’s decision.
Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar, in a fresh order issued today, said, “All those who took part in the demonstration should be identified and disciplinary action be taken against them by declaring their absence from school as ‘Dies Non’ without break in service.”
The government has made it clear that striking teachers could face transfer, suspension, and even compulsory retirement under rule 56(j) of the CCS CCA Rules.
Kanwar’s order also states that teachers who participated in the protest, which was videographed, will not receive their salary for the day, as participation in a strike is not eligible for leave under service rules.
Further, the order directed that teachers who addressed the gathering, made derogatory remarks against the government, or criticised officials would face immediate suspension and strict disciplinary proceedings.
“All those who addressed the gathering and criticised the government policy and used derogatory language should be immediately suspended and strict disciplinary action be taken against them,” the order said.
In addition, the government signaled action against certain office-bearers who advocated stopping online work, refusing to mark online attendance, or halting mid-day meal duties.
“In case any teacher refuses to undertake these tasks, a case for compulsory retirement should be made as it is violation of government directives,” the order noted.
Deputy Directors have been instructed to closely monitor cases related to non-compliance and initiate proceedings for compulsory retirement wherever applicable, following proper procedure.
The government’s strong response follows the PTF’s defiance of warnings and signals a no-tolerance approach to disruptions within the school education system.
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