Haryana Teacher Faces Suspension After Joining Cockroach Janta Party Protest

A guest teacher from a government school in Rohtak, Haryana, has been suspended just two days after participating in a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The incident has sparked discussions around government employee conduct and the right to protest in India.

Sulekha Dalal, who teaches at the Government Middle School in Rainkpura, received her suspension notice effective from June 8, as per an order issued on June 10 by the district’s elementary education officer. The official order did not specify the reasons for her suspension, but Bijender Hooda, the District Elementary Education Officer, informed The Hindu that Dalal had breached conduct rules by leaving her assigned post and participating in the demonstration without prior approval.

The CJP protest aimed to address the recent cancellation of the undergraduate National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) due to allegations of a paper leak, which has caused significant unrest among students and job seekers. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding alleged irregularities in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 examinations and the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) tests for government positions.

Dalal’s suspension gained traction after a video of her speaking at the protest was circulated on social media. In the footage, she referred to the protest as a “do or die” situation, emphasizing her participation as a concerned mother advocating for her children’s future. This statement resonated with many, as it highlighted the emotional stakes involved for families affected by the education system’s shortcomings.

The response from the education department and the district office raises critical questions about the balance between the rights of government employees to engage in civic activities and the expectations of their roles. As the debate continues, many are hoping for a reconsideration of such punitive measures, advocating for a more supportive approach to those voicing concerns over educational integrity and policy.

Source: scroll.in