I obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before leaving: Absent Gujarat teacher in Chicago clarifies.
Bhavna Patel, a "missing" teacher from Panchha Primary School in Gujarat's Banaskantha district, currently living in Chicago, USA, released a video statement claiming that she had secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the District Panchayat and completed all necessary paperwork before moving abroad.
She claimed that her absence was properly documented and has evidence to support her compliance with regulations.
The situation has raised concern in the state education department. Principal Parul Mehta alleged that despite Patel's claims, she has been absent from the school for nearly eight years and reportedly only returning for one month every year.
Adding to this troubling situation, the education officer has contradicted Mehta's claim, stating that Patel's "absence has been closer to eight months, not the eight years as alleged by Mehta".
This discrepancy has further complicated the situation, raising questions about Patel's employment status and adherence to school regulations.
Government's Action
In response to the incident, Gujarat's Minister of State for Education, Praful Pansheriya, has initiated an investigation. Pansheriya announced that a report would be submitted with actions to be determined based on its findings.
He emphasized the government's commitment to addressing unauthorized absenteeism and maintaining the integrity of the education system.
Gujarat Education Minister Kuber Dindor said, "I have ordered an inquiry and sought a report from district officials. We do not allow such practice. If found guilty of unauthorized absence, we will punish the teacher and recover the salary she was paid."
This incident highlights a broader issue of teachers residing abroad while remaining on the payroll, with similar cases reported involving educators in the United States and Canada.
A similar case in Tharad
There has been yet another similar instance reported from Tharad, in which the education of the students was seriously compromised by the absence of a teacher named Darshan from the school for two years. It has been found that he resides in Canada at present.
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