With pressure mounting both from the political arena and media, the Education Department of Uttarakhand had finally taken the matter seriously of arrest and suspension of a school principal on the orders of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and is going to investigate it, ANI reported on Thursday.
Speaking to the media, School Education Secretary Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh said, “She has been suspended because she violated decorum as a teacher. It will be investigated, we will listen to her and only then will a decision be taken.”
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According to the report, principal of a government primary school in Naugaon area of Uttarkashi district, Uttara Bahuguna, allegedly used abusive language in front of the CM while seeking a transfer from the remote location. When asked about her transfer, the education secretary stated, “She can be transferred only within the district. Her demand that she be transferred to Dehradun falls under inter-district transfers which, as of now, isn’t allowed by the Act.”
Kaur further added, “More than 58 people are posted in remote areas for longer duration than her. Her number is 59th and the transfer is done only turn-wise.”
Requesting a transfer at the Janata Darbar, the principal started arguing with Rawat when the he dismissed her request. After that Rawat lost his cool and started shouting several times by saying, ‘Suspend karo ise abhi (Suspend her immediately). Take her into police custody.’
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As a matter of proof, a video of the principal was shared on social media where Bahuguna is seen hurling abuses at Rawat and leaving the Janata Darbar. Though she was taken into custody under Section 151 of the CrPC, she was released on Thursday evening.
However, defending her case, Bahuguna said that she has no problem in doing her job, reports Indian Express. She said, “I have no problem in doing my job, but I’ve been posted in remote areas for 25 years. Before the Uttarkashi village, I was posted in a remote area in Uttarkashi district’s Chinyalisaur. My husband used to take care of my two children, but after his death in August last year there is no one to take care of my children. Also, I am too old to work in remote areas.”