The Education Department’s bypassing of the Jharsuguda district Collector’s order to transfer teachers allegedly involved in assault and torture of a physically-challenged Class-VIII girl student has not gone well with the District Differently-Abled Organisation (DDAO).
DDAO members have threatened to take to the streets while condemning department officials’ apathetic attitude towards such a sensitive matter. While the girl has stopped coming to the school, no effort is being made to instill confidence in her and bring her back to the school, alleged members.
According to reports, the Headmistress and two Assistant Teachers of the Talpatia Nodal High School were transferred by the district Collector on the allegation of the differently-abled girl student that she was mentally tortured and harassed by them. However, instead of acting on the direction of the Collector, the local officials of the Education Department are trying to sweep the matter under the carpet, said members.
While the accused Headmistress has been sent on deputation to the Kirmira High School, the other two teachers have not been moved out.
Sources said Sarva Siksha Abhiyan DPC Minarani Mandal submitted inquiry reports to the District Education Officer (DEO) proposing to transfer the three lady teachers. During inquiry, the three teachers admitted mistakes and submitted in writing not to commit such mistakes in future.
District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Sunanda Moharana had also sought a report from the SSA DPC in the matter.
Expressing serious concern over the incident, DDAO President Dr PC Rana said the association is trying to bring the girl back to her school and appealed the Collector to take strong action against the teachers.